Washoe County Library System

Defying the icy dangers of majestic snow-capped mountains, they came to a rugged frontier town. They were enticed by promises of fabulous wealth, but their dreams were often shattered by fate and lawless violence. Some were brave, lusty men who felled the giant trees of virgin forests. Others were lonely, brutal men who wanted their women the way they wanted their land--as possessions to conquer and to tame. WASHINGTON! The tattered Union flag flies...

Unflagging courage took them through the valleys of the Badlands to the vast prairies of fertile, new territory. The promise of endless fields of golden wheat, great herds of prime beef cattle, fabulous empires built from railroads and mines lured the ambitiousand the brave to the uncharted country. But war cries soon echoed across the plains as mighty red nations united in a pact of blood to fight the newcomers for their sacred hunting grounds....

Saga of the first wagon train west toward Oregon begins in Independence, Missouri, and ends when the five hundred brave pioneers reach the great plains of Nebraska. Centers on "Whip" Holt, the ruggedly quiet leader of the caravan and Cathy van Ayl, who leaves her family behind in Missouri to travel with Whip Holt's train and perhaps win his heart.