Some came seeking fabulous wealth. Others sought an elusive sea passage to the Orient. Some sought personal glory. CONQUEST OF AMERICA, a four-part world premiere special presentation, tells the story of the exploration of North America through the words of the men who undertook the journeys.
Each episode of CONQUEST OF AMERICA crystallizes the conquest of a different geographical region of North America by focusing on a primary explorer in that territory: Francesco de Coronado in the Southwest; Pedro Menendez and Jean Ribault in the Southeast; Henry Hudson in the Northeast; and Vitus Bering and Nicolai Rezanov in the Pacific Northwest. These explorers' stories play like amazing action-adventure tales, taken from the explorers' own journals, and the letters and writings of eyewitnesses. Dramatic dialogue and scenes used throughout are derived from the historical records, journals and diaries of the participants.

The special is shot on location in New Mexico, California, Florida, Maine, Connecticut, Maryland, Washington State, Alaska and along the Hudson River. It features breathtaking scenery, replica boats and dramatic reenactments. The series also draws on period maps and drawings. Historians add insight and perspective to the narrative.