AMC announced it has ordered straight-to-series a docudrama titled The West. Premiering next summer, the eight-episode series will use archival footage and visual effects to recreate the adventurous and often dangerous world of the post-Civil War western United States from 1865 to 1890. Exploring the lives of cowboys, Native Americans, outlaws and lawmen,the show will feature lesser-known stories about legendary figures like Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Wyatt Earp, Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse.

The series is a joint venture between Robert Redford’s Sundance Productions and Stephen David Entertainment.

“We are pleased to partner with Stephen David and AMC for the production of The West, which will transport audiences back to the days of the Wild West to meet the famous outlaws and lawmen that shaped American history and culture,” said Redford, who will serve as executive producer. “This series is an opportunity to revisit an era of memorable events that were part of making the United States what it is today.”

As anyone knows who has studied American history, this was a particularly exciting and transformative period for the country, which was rapidly growing, expanding and truly becoming a land of opportunity. The series will not just be a collection of tales about the west; in many ways, it promises to tell the story of how modern America was created.

Production on The West is due to begin this month.