Though the U.S. is a young nation -- just 233 years old if you trace it back to the Declaration of Independence in 1776 -- the settling of the continent goes back four centuries or more.

With that in mind, the History Channel will premiere 'America: The Story of Us' in 2010, an epic 12-part series examining how this nation of average citizens, not royalty, have determined its course from the very beginning.

According to Variety, Meryl Streep and Michael Douglas are among a starry list of narrators confirmed for the series, which draws talent from Hollywood and politics. Other narrators will include former Secretary of StateColin Powell and NBC anchor Brian Williams.