Irene Morgan fought her 1944 arrest for sitting in the front of an interstate bus, taking her case all the way to the Supreme Court.

Civil rights activists rehearsed non-violence, using role-play, and were prepared to face violence.

For African-Americans, travel in the segregated South was insulting at best.

Learn about the 1961 Freedom Rides from the Freedom Riders themselves, and how they deliberately violated the segregation laws of the deep South.

The story of the 1961 Freedom Rides through America's Deep South for Civil Rights.

The first chapter of American Experience's "Annie Oakley," the toast of Victorian London, New York, and Paris. She was "adopted" by Indian chief Sitting Bull, charmed the Prince of Prussia, and entertained the likes of Oscar Wilde and Queen Victoria. Annie Oakley excelled in a man's world by doing what she loved, and won fame and fortune as the little lady from Ohio who never missed a shot.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.