Communities that Shaped America: Episode Spotlight
Travel through pivotal communities that helped shape the United States in this special Travels with Darley PBS episode, Communities That Shaped America. From legendary Civil War battlefields to Revolutionary War towns where the foundations of a nation were forged, Darley Newman brings American history to life through immersive experiences, local voices, architecture, agriculture, and cuisine.
Darley Newman begins in Gettysburg National Military Park, one of America’s most iconic historic sites. With experts from the Gettysburg Foundation and licensed battlefield guides, Darley explores key locations including Cemetery Ridge, The Angle, and the breathtaking Gettysburg Cyclorama. Battlefield guide Britt Isenberg leads Darley to the George Spangler Farm, where a family homestead became a Union Army field hospital during the Civil War. In downtown Gettysburg, history becomes hands-on at The Children of Gettysburg 1863® Museum, and travelers can step back in time at the Dobbin House, the oldest preserved building in Gettysburg and a restored colonial-era tavern.
Next, Darley Newman dives further into the American Revolution at Brandywine Battlefield in Pennsylvania. At Randell Spackman’s Thornbury Farm, Darley hears more about the site of The Battle of Brandywine’s final troop engagement. Historian Bruce Mowday shares the story of the Battle of Brandywine and the role of the Marquis de Lafayette, standing on land that looks much as it did in 1777 when the Continental Army fought to stop British forces from advancing on Philadelphia at Birmingham Hill.
The Revolutionary Road Trip continues in York County, Pennsylvania to see the Articles of Confederation. At the York County History Center, Dr. Valerie Long reveals rare artifacts tied to the nation’s founding. Architect Blake Gifford guides Darley through York’s historic streets, from preserved architecture to the vibrant Royal Square Mural Park. Darley also visits Central Market York, highlighting the region’s deep agricultural roots and modern cuisine, from Korean to cannolis.
While staying at the historic Yorktowne Hotel, Darley Newman ventures out to experience how the Susquehanna River shaped both Revolutionary and Civil War history aboard the Chief Uncas, a 100-year-old wooden yacht at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage. At Perrydell Farm, Darley experiences a true “cow-to-cone” dairy operation at a multi-generation family farm. At John Wright Restaurant, housed in a former silk mill, Darley tastes farm-to-table history with chef and ownerJim Switzenberg. From rail adventures on the Northern Central Railway to colonial-era spirits at Eichelberger Distillery at Dills Tavern, York’s past comes alive through all five senses.
The journey then moves south to Vicksburg, Mississippi, a community forever changed by the Civil War. During a devastating 47-day siege, Vicksburg became a turning point in American history. Historian Bertram Hayes-Davis, a descendant of Jefferson Davis, leads Darley through the city’s historic streets. Darley visits cannon-scarred landmarks like The Inn at Cedar Grove and Anchuca, beautifully restored homes that survived the siege and where travelers can stay today. Downtown, the Vicksburg Civil War Museum and Charles Pendleton offer deeper insight into the campaign, while Vicksburg National Military Park allows travelers to explore the battlefield through guided tours or scenic drives. Darley meets ranger John Castaldo to visit some of the over 1400 monuments and markers.
From Pennsylvania to Mississippi, this episode reveals how communities, landscapes, and people shaped America—and how modern travelers can experience these stories today.
📍 Featured Locations:
Gettysburg National Military Park • Brandywine Battlefield • York County History Center • Central Market York • Susquehanna River • Vicksburg National Military Park • Historic Vicksburg
🎥 About the Series:
Travels with Darley is a PBS travel series blending culture, history, food, and adventure, hosted by Darley Newman.
📍 Places Featured – Communities That Shaped America
Travels with Darley | PBS
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg National Military Park: Cemetery Ridge, The Angle, Gettysburg Cyclorama and more
George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital
The Children of Gettysburg 1863® Museum
Dobbin House Tavern (oldest preserved building in Gettysburg)
Brandywine Battlefield, Pennsylvania
Thornbury Farm
Birmingham Hill (site of the Battle of Brandywine’s final engagement)
York County, Pennsylvania
York County History Center to see the Articles of Confederation (housed at the History Center)
Royal Square Mural Park
Central Market York
Yorktowne Hotel (National Register of Historic Places)
Zimmerman Center for Heritage to ride the Chief Uncas (historic wooden yacht) on the Susquehanna River
Perrydell Farm (cow-to-cone dairy farm)
John Wright Restaurant (former silk mill)
Northern Central Railway of York
York County Heritage Rail Trail
Eichelberger Distillery at Dills Tavern
Victor’s Italian Restaurant (historic church venue repurposed into a very cool dining space)
Vicksburg, Mississippi
Vicksburg National Military Park
Historic Downtown Vicksburg
The Inn at Cedar Grove (cannonball-damaged historic inn)
Anchuca Historic Mansion & Inn
Vicksburg Civil War Museum
🎥 About the Series:
Travels with Darley is a PBS travel series blending culture, history, food, and adventure, hosted by Darley Newman.