Journalist; Author, A Crack in the Edge of the World and The Men Who United the States: America's Explorers, Inventors, Eccentrics and Mavericks, and the Creation of One Nation, Indivisible ; Twitter: @vbelgarum

Simon Winchester follows in the footsteps of America's most essential explorers, thinkers and innovators, including Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery expedition to the Pacific Coast, the builders of the first transcontinental telegraphy, and the powerful civil engineer behind the Interstate Highway System. He treks vast swaths of territory, introducing these fascinating men and others - some familiar, some forgotten, some hardly known ­- who played a pivotal role in creating today's United States. Join us as this delightful raconteur takes a fascinating look at the men whose efforts and achievements helped unify the states and created one cohesive nation. Learn more about Winchester on his website.