Why do Michigan and Ohio, and especially their sports teams, hate each other? Why is the University of Michigan mascot called the Wolverine? Why does Michigan have an Upper Peninsula?
A new History Channel series called “How the States Got Their Shapes” sets out to answer such questions. The show’s host, Brian Unger, journeyed across America to discover the stories behind state lines.
At one point, Ohio-native Unger visits a rivalry football game between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University to explain how border disputes –specifically the ownership of the port city of Toledo – shaped states lines and relations.
Tonight Unger explores how canals and train routes shaped some of the Great Lakes states. “The Great Plains, Trains, & Automobiles” airs at 8 p.m. (7 p.m. central) May 25 on the History Channel.
Check out the show’s episode guide and some fun features here. Test your knowledge of U.S. geography with the show’s Place the State game.