Centennial is a twelve-episode television miniseries based on the 1974 novel of the same name by James A. Michener. The series depicts the history of the fictional town of Centennial, Colorado, from its founding in the 1700s to the late 1970s.
The story begins in the pre-colonial era, describing the lives of the native Arapaho tribe as well as Spanish explorers and traders. It then jumps forward to the 18th century, when French-Canadian trappers arrived in the area and established a thriving fur trade.
As the town grows and changes, the series follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect over the centuries. These characters include frontier settlers, ranchers, miners, railroad workers, and modern-day developers. Their stories reflect the economic and cultural development of the town, as well as important social and political issues such as slavery, land ownership, and Native American relations.
Throughout the series, viewers see how conflicts arise and are resolved, and how successive generations of residents are shaped by events and circumstances beyond their control. The show also explores the natural beauty of the landscape and the impact of human activity on the environment.
Overall, Centennial is a sweeping epic that captures the spirit of the American West and provides a richly detailed portrait of a fictional community as it evolves over time.