Hamilton Disston: Pioneering Everglades Developer

American Experience
Air Date: 12/12/18

In 1881, Hamilton Disston, a wealthy enterpreneur cut a deal to purchase four million acres of Everglades, hoping to drain the land for selling and promised to drain an additional 12 million acres. But the wet season reclaimed the lands and six years later, the state commission declared his efforts a failure.

Become a PBS KVIE member and watch your favorite PBS programs from any device.

Become a Sponsor