Bendigo Shafter and his followers build a town in the heart of Wyoming Indian country, where the crack-shot leader falls in love with two women, the dignified Widow Macken and the beautiful Ninon.

They came west inspired by the boldest American dream. Pioneers whose hands and hearts shaped the proud destiny of a nation. Seven men and thirteen women and children--strangers who shed their blood to build a community out of the Wyoming wilderness. And towering above them all was Bendigo Shafter, a giant of a man whose love and courage were the equal of the mighty land.