Philadelphia: The Great Experiment — Season 1, Episode 8: The Floodgates Open

Episode synopsis

An era of aspiration and ambition characterized post Civil War Philadelphia. Industrialists sought great wealth and expansion. Newly freed African Americans sought equality. Lincoln's political party planted its flag for power and control. A new City Hall would house their government. The excitement and promise of the era would be capped with a major national celebration, the Centennial of 1876. (Pilot episode)

About Philadelphia: The Great Experiment

A 14-part documentary series covering the history of Philadelphia, William Penn's great utopian experiment, from founding to today.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Fever (1793-1820)
• E2In Penn's Shadow (1680-1720)
• E3Franklin's Spark (1720-1765)
• E4The Storm (1765-1790)
• E5Fever (1793-1820)
• E6Disorder (1820-1854)
• E7An Equal Chance (1855-1871)
• E9World Stage (1872-1899)
• E10Awakening (1900-1920)
• E11Corrupt (1920-1940)
• E12Promise for a Better City (1944-1964)
• E13The Fight (1965-1978)