An Emmy nominated film I produced and directed on how Chicago became the most competitive transportation center in 19th Century America. Airing on prime-time PBS numerous times in response to demand, it went on to be featured in local schools, with a fully developed curriculum. It is available in collections at the Newberry Library, Chicago Historical Society and Paley Center for Media. 

"Prairie Tides" is the story of the initial land grab from the Native American resident tribes in the area and the exploitation of some of the earliest settlers building the Illinois & Michigan canal. Reversing the Chicago River flow, a major feat at the time, is also covered. With the completion of the canal and the first rail line in the Midwest, Chicago became the most cost-effective commodities freight hub of the era.