The story of Jesse James remains one of America's most cherished myths... and one of its most wrong-headed. A product of the American Civil War, James was less heroic than brutal; America's own Robin Hood who robbed not only the rich, but the poor and defenseless as well, always saving the treasure for himself.

The story of Jesse James remains one of America's most cherished myths... and one of its most wrong-headed. A product of the American Civil War, James was less heroic than brutal; America's own Robin Hood who robbed not only the rich, but the poor and defenseless as well, always saving the treasure for himself. 5/7/2013

As the leader of the last Native American fighting force to capitulate to the U.S. government, Geronimo was seen by some as the perpetrator of unspeakable savage cruelties, while to others he was the embodiment of proud resistance.

Celebrated as a man who took control of his own destiny, Wyatt Earp came to epitomize the town-taming marshal responsible for bringing the forces of law, order and civilization to the Wild West.

Taken by the production team for "Custer's Last Stand," this time-lapse shot was taken at 5 am in -7 degree Fahrenheit weather. "We were all bundled with serious foot and hand warmers running through the snow for the perfect shot," says associate producer Lauren DeFilippo.

On location at the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary in Hot Springs, South Dakota, the production team for "Custer's Last Stand" shot four riders, but in post production composited the riders to look like many.

The final act of General George Custer's larger-than-life career played out on a grand stage with a spellbound public engrossed in the drama. In the end, his death would launch one of the greatest myths in American history. Part of the Wild West collection, Custer's Last Stand premieres on American Experience January 17, 2012.

This time-lapse video was taken by the "Custer's Last Stand" production team on June 28, 2011 at Pryor Creek Ranch in Huntley, Montana.

The first chapter of Custer's Last Stand, premiering January 17 at 8/7C. Like everything else about General George Custer, his martyrdom was shrouded in controversy. The final act of his larger-than-life career played out on a grand stage with a spellbound public engrossed in the drama. In the end, his death would launch one of the greatest myths in American history.

A behind the scenes look at American Experience film "Custer's Last Stand," premiering January 17, 2012 at 8 pm ET.

The first chapter of American Experience's Billy the Kid.

An outlaw with a deadly reputation, Billy the Kid was gunned down by an ambitious sheriff on July 14, 1881. First demonized by the lawman who killed him, the Kid was soon mythologized by a never-ending stream of dime store romances and big-screen dramas.

Writer Mark Lee Gardner performs a ballad about Billy the Kid during his interview for the film.

From the "Billy the Kid" production team, a time-lapse video from the point of view of a train streaming across the Western landscape.

In January 2012, American Experience presents the Wild West Collection: Billy the Kid, Custer's Last Stand, Wyatt Earp, Geronimo, Annie Oakley, and Jesse James.

Our 2012 season is announced with a special video from Executive Producer Mark Samels. We hope you enjoy our upcoming season, which kicks off with our "Wild West Collection" on your local PBS station January 10 at 9/8C.

October 20, 1973: Nixon fired Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox in what becomes known as "The Saturday Night Massacre." The attorney general resigns and Congress files 21 resolutions calling for Nixon's impeachment.

Rosalynn Carter was a major figure in her husband's campaigns and policy meetings. "She wanted to be more than a fashion plate and somebody who gave teas," says historian E. Stanly Godbold.

On the White House lawn on August 5, 1990, H.W. Bush took a stand against Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. "He led with his gut, with his instincts," says biographer Timothy Naftali.

President Roosevelt's inaugural address filled the American people with confidence in their new leader. "They hear coming through their loudspeakers this voice so filled with courage, with self confidence, with a sense of leadership," says historian William Leuchtenburg.