Back to Show
Iconic America
Behind the Scenes
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, on location and in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history and how its meaning has changed over time, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.
Support Provided By
![Iconic America](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/d126d20/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FAPamxN1-asset-mezzanine-16x9-lQNCTSw.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
The Golden Gate bridge is an engineering marvel that symbolizes America’s can-do spirit.
![Stone Mountain](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/90b8023/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FPRdTBaJ-asset-mezzanine-16x9-1vAoN5b.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:38
As the nation wrestles with its past, the fate of Stone Mountain stands in question.
![The American Bald Eagle](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1db08a2/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FXwzMzBl-asset-mezzanine-16x9-nY5z6IV.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:08
The story of how the Bald Eagle soared to its vaunted perch in American iconography.
![The Statue of Liberty](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c8f91c1/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FcwZB5fW-asset-mezzanine-16x9-tWHp01C.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
A look at The Statue of Liberty's evolving meaning as symbol for a “nation of immigrants."
![The Cowboy Preview](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/f57fdf9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FHboAlyq-asset-mezzanine-16x9-dHkBPsL.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:24
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic.
![The Gadsden Flag](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/0a75700/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2Fy0AJ959-asset-mezzanine-16x9-eQQr6lU.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:11
The Gadsden flag has been co-opted by a wide variety of Americans over its long history.
![The Hollywood Sign](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/939c897/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FoeyhyvP-asset-mezzanine-16x9-SssVquH.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:35
A look at the L.A. landmark that became an international symbol of the American dream.
![Fenway Park](https://kcet.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/98d0f1f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1920x1080+0+0/resize/768x432!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimage.pbs.org%2Fvideo-assets%2FDO2risT-asset-mezzanine-16x9-O4ngGRD.png)
Unlock with PBS Passport
55:27
No ballpark is more iconic than Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox