The Cowboy Preview
Preview: Episode 4 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic.
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic. The episode examines the myths and realities of this archetype, which remains as potent as ever in the 21st century.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...
The Cowboy Preview
Preview: Episode 4 | 31sVideo has Closed Captions
The cowboy is the quintessential American — fiercely independent, brave and laconic. The episode examines the myths and realities of this archetype, which remains as potent as ever in the 21st century.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch Iconic America
Iconic America is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
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Our Symbols and Stories
David Rubenstein examines the history of America through some of its most iconic symbols, objects and places, in conversation with historical thinkers, community members and other experts. Together, they dive deep into each symbol’s history, using them as a gateway to understanding America’s past and present.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipOn Iconic America.
The cowboy figure is our first native born hero.
It took a special kind of person with grit and determination.
When you look at the real history of the cowboy, it tells a very, very different story.
I never knew there was a Black cowboy.
She was the first female superstar in the U.S..
The real cowboys, we'll never know their names.
Buffalo Bill Helps Spread the Cowboy Mystique
Video has Closed Captions
Wild West Shows led to a skewed perspective of the role of real cowboys in America. (3m 12s)
The Homestead Act Spurs Westward Expansion
Video has Closed Captions
The Homestead Act attracted thousands of settlers to The West with 160 acres of free land. (3m 35s)
Philip Morris' Marlboro Man Lassoes a Hit Ad Campaign
Video has Closed Captions
The appeal and success of the Marlboro Man cigarette ad campaigns spanned decades. (1m 3s)
Why Did Cowboy Movies Leave Women Out of the Picture?
Video has Closed Captions
Westerns downplayed the role that women and minorities played in settling The West, (1m 55s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
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Iconic America: Our Symbols and Stories with David Rubenstein is a production of Show of Force, DMR Productions, and WETA Washington, D.C. David M. Rubenstein is the host and executive...