The Swamp 2019

     This documentary is an episode from American Experience and it aired January 15, 2019.  Humanity has made numerous attempts to conquer the Florida Everglades.  It’s one of nature’s most mysterious and unique ecosystems.  There is a profusion of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on the continent.  The Everglades originally was an immense watershed covering the southern half of the Florida peninsula.  In the nineteenth century, most Americans believed swamps were filled with diseases and dangerous reptiles.  These were seen as obstacles to the progress of the United States?  The goal of many entrepreneurs, politicians and salesmen was to drain the swamp and turn it into a massively profitable enterprise.  The altering of the landscape caused many unintended consequences.  There were catastrophic floods and brutal droughts.  Hurricanes added to the destruction and death toll after misguided alterations were made to the land.

     This film offers insights into the repeated efforts to transform this area into an agricultural and urban paradise.  It was thought that this was one of the nation’s last unpopulated frontiers.  It was also a subtropical wilderness that seemed to many to be inhospitable and how could it be built up?  In the end, efforts to change this region led to a passionate campaign to preserve America’s greatest wetland.  I thought this was very interesting and good.  There were many facts I didn't know.  4 1/2* (I really liked this episode) 

Note:  Amazon 5* with one review, PBS 5* with 2 reviews, 100% audience on Rotten Tomatoes.

Special Note:  Season 31, Episode 1, The Swamp.