Pamela Mann is a widow in Mexico owned Texas and depends on her oxen for her livelihood. But Sam Houston is leading a drive for independence and needs her sturdy animals for cannon movement but the spirited Pamela resists all pleas.
Mary runs an outpost on the American frontier where her most important job is providing horses to the Union side. But a confederate Caleb is intent on derailing her operation until they meet over a horse's foal delivery.
Mine owner Jim Barker sends for detective Romer Maxwell suspecting high grade ore is being smuggled out. Romer tests several theories then focuses on Kate Hanson but complicates matters by falling in love with her daughter Sarah.
Dan and Mary Bartlett arrive in Murphy's Flats with little more than their faith and a diving suit. The residents don't get how it works or helps in mining but when they need Dan to use it for violent reasons, he stands by his convictions.
Iron fisted rancher Hank Lanier believes his son Jack needs a good education, bringing in Ralph Edmunds to teach him. But the teacher's arrival threatens Lanier's autocratic ways leading to a showdown.
Noted frontier explorer John Fremont is in gold rush California and finds himself in a contentious mining dispute. As the situation threatens to turn violent the future presidential candidate has the support of his faithful wife Jessie.
Luke Short aims to open a fine saloon in Dodge City but runs up against political boss Webster who prevents competition. Luke, with support of Mady, tries traditional methods but is forced to call in famous friends to prevail.
Lt. Wood is stationed in Arizona Territory during an Apache uprising but is more compassionate than his commander. When a deadly illness breaks out among the Indians he is willing to treat them but Geronimo must surrender first.
Johnny Carter is wounded while committing a robbery and takes refuge in a mission school. He is nursed back to health by Sister Mary who learns his identity. She urges him to turn himself in which turns his partner Buckner against him.
As the Donner Party attempts to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Reed family is banished after an altercation leads to death. They endure heavy snow and dwindling food but daughter Virginia shows courage beyond her years.
When Claypool swindles McSween out of his mine, storekeeper Hobart has an idea for retribution. Trained as a lawyer he traps Claypool into owing him the mine's deed but not before physical violence occurs.
Phillip Sheridan's friendship with Indian scout Kahlu is questioned after a series of ambushes leave troopers dead. But Sheridan defends his ally against the outraged fort's residents trusting his instincts that he is right.
Gurney is among the outraged citizenry when Limantour and his associate Tarabel have a deed claiming ownership of San Francisco. Gurney suspects a scheme but risks his life to prove it.
Patriotism and banditry clash when Owens along with companion Delores are captured by outlaw Juan Cortina. Owens tries to convince Juan to work for the good of his country like he once did instead of using his leadership for personal gain.