May 22, 2012 | WDC: 68 °F

This April marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War, an event that defined what the country was in the 1860s and what it has become since. WETA is pleased to recognize the anniversary with special programming on air and online features.
Ken Burns' epic documentary brings to life America's most destructive – and defining – conflict. The Civil War is the saga of celebrated generals and ordinary soldiers, a heroic and transcendent president and a country that had to divide itself in two in order to become one.
Ken Burns's 1990 film, The Civil War was a landmark television event and offered viewers a fascinating glimpse of our nation's defining conflict. Burns reflects on the film and the event that inspired it.
Washington, D.C., transformed from a sleepy semi-rural city into a national urban power center during the American Civil War. View our slideshow to experience the impact of the conflict on the city.
The Washington, D.C., area is rich with Civil war history and resources. Check out our list of local celebrations and remembrances.