Modern Marvels

A cornerstone of U.S. defense policy, some nuclear submarines carry more firepower than all the bombs dropped in history. See how the Cold War race for technological supremacy gave rise to these miracles of engineering.

Named one of the seven engineering wonders of the modern age, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge & Tunnel stretches 17 miles and connects Virginia proper with its easternmost landmass.

From the earliest known lighthouses, such as the Pharos of Alexandria, to modern-day automated buoys and solar-powered lantern rooms, lighthouse history is rich with ingenious optical discoveries.

The Pentagon... The name alone conjures up an imposing image of American power and prestige. As the largest office building in the world, it serves as the headquarters of the nation's armed forces.

From colossal devices to mind-expanding, world-shrinking machines. Bite into Apple, which made computers a household appliance. And peer into a microscope to see the molecular computers of the future.

An examination of the history and technology of chemical and biological warfare, which can be traced back at least 4,000 years to the wars of ancient India, when soldiers used toxic fumes against their enemies.

A daring band of infantry soldiers uncovers secret enemy arms and intelligence caches. Armed with only a flashlight, valor, and a .45, they overcame lethal odds on this terrifying suicide mission.

From a ladle and tin cup in an 1850s mining camp to Prohibition-era speakeasies, we investigate the history of the American saloon, and go behind-the-scenes at some of today's bars.

Feel the earth move under your feet and dig into the fascinating story of earthmoving equipment--from the simple spade to today's powerful steam shovels.

Cannons have fired balls of iron and atomic bombs, changed the way wars are fought and now come equipped with smart weapons. Explore their history and use today.

For some 200 years, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, has trained students in the art of war. Join us as we explore how its kept pace with America's expanding world responsibilities.

The challenge of wrestling stone from the Earth remains much the same as it was thousands of years ago, but modern technology has allowed for more powerful and effective mining tools and equipment.

Join us for a ride through the history of car-culture commerce, from the first gas station to the drive-thru funeral parlors and wedding chapels of today.

Discover how military and police personnel, as well as private citizens, hone their shooting skills with one of the oldest of training techniques when we review the history of firing ranges.