"Four feet of snow fell from the skies and fierce winds created snowdrifts up to fifty feet high." On March 12, 1888, the east coast of the United States awoke to the most severe blizzard in American history. Learn more in our doc "The Race Underground," streaming free: http://to.pbs.org/2jL6Cnf | American Experience | PBS

It was an unusually warm morning 134 years ago this day. The cattle were grazing in the fields. Children were without a care on the playground enjoying their noon time recess. It was also said that wen could be seen working outside in their short-sleeve shirts. Everyone was oblivious to what would unfold that January afternoon. And what would take place was unthinkable,unimaginable...like something out of a science fiction movie such as the 2004 thriller The Day After Tomorrow starring Dennis Qu