When the United States founding fathers drew the first map of America, they confronted many of the same challenges that unite and divide a nation today. HOW THE STATES GOT THEIR SHAPES explores how state borders evolved and continue to change in response to religion, transportation, communication, politics, culture clashes and even Mother Nature. This is no textbook-style documentary series. Local experts and everyday Americans join host Brian Unger, a journalist and former Daily Show correspondent, in revealing answers to some of Americas most baffling questions. How are flying fish threatening to re-draw the shape of Illinois? What does the use of cell phones by Pennsylvanias Amish population have to do with the shape of their state? How is the phrase sold down the river linked to the shape of what might be our 51st state? Why did the invention of air conditioning change how America picks its Presidents? Uncover the fascinating answers hidden in one of the worlds best known maps.