When crossing the country in a wagon train on the way to Oregon disaster strikes the Segar family. The parents die, leaving their orphaned children to carry on under the protection of the wagon master.
The Babb children, living in Texas, are captured by the Comanches while playing shortly after the Civil War. It is up to Mary Jane with the aid of an older Indian woman to help them escape.
British sailor Edward falls in love with Manuela Cortez against her father's wishes. Banished from colonial California he becomes a pearl diver with the help of native Kiori. A ferocious storm changes the fortunes of all.
Herb is bringing his bride Henrietta to his ranch but realizes housekeeper Minnie is less than competent. He gets his friends to take Minnie back to her tribe but then his stepdaughter falls ill. Herb must get her to come back in time.
Patrick works for a greedy mine owner Gerlock who pushes his men to the limit. Patrick senses the mine is near pay dirt. He tells his wife a request for his lucky shirt is code for her to buy shares in company stock when he is in the mine.
Liz saves Scrubby's life in a mine accident and that leads to a partnership. They hit it big but then Liz's husband, who had deserted her years before, shows up demanding most of the money. It's up to Scrubby to then save his friend Liz.
Rose had found contentment as the wife of blacksmith Gil Calvin. The unexpected arrival of men from her criminal past threaten her happiness through blackmail so the Calvins must figure out a way to thwart the outlaws.
The San Antonio and San Diego mail route is considered dangerous but driver Silas makes it seem easy. But his good relations with the Indians and his mules is threatened by the Waltons, a desperate couple he encounters on the trail.
Tom Horn hijacks a stagecoach with entirely female passengers. Most are future brides headed to Laramie but Tom bonds with dance hall owner Della. They must outwit several groups to successfully reach their destination.
New school teacher Ruth arrives in town and is instantly attracted to Brad Forrester. After she learning he's a gambler and boxing promoter she gives him the cold shoulder. But missing money points to Ruth and she needs his help.
Jim Bridger returns from an army assignment learning his wife has died and son Felix angry about his absences. Jim finds his eyesight is fading and his farm deep in debt. He takes one more scouting expedition to make things right.
After the army is issued new 50 caliber rifles they are chronically short of ammunition during Indian troubles. The fort's Major suspects Pierson of supplying the warriors who seem fully armed. But the captain is able to solve the mystery.
Shopkeeper Isaacs is asked to hide government gold as Mexico struggles for independence. But French troops ransack his store causing him and wife Ruth flee. But when the patriots return they suspect the merchant has stolen the fortune.
After hard-luck miner Stoddard hits town, newspaperman Mel Hardin decides to spread a rumor that he hit big. The merchants shower him with goods, but when they learn they were fooled they want revenge.
The western town of Volcano is drawn into the Civil War when confederate sympathizers plan to take over the community. But the Reverend Coleman learns of their intentions and must thwart them with the help of his son.
Sylvester Pattie and son travel to Spanish held California to trap but the superstitious governor has them arrested. In jail they are befriended by Carlota. The Patties' knowledge of medicine helps the entire community during an epidemic.
Ma's circus has fallen on hard times, but she plans on reviving the show's fortunes with Juliette and her equestrian act. The situation begins to improve, but Forbes and Laura undermine the circus at every turn.
The Rosetti family and their fellow Italian immigrants look forward to new freedoms in the American West. But an organized crime group from the old country intends on extorting them unless they make a stand.
James Savage is more comfortable living rough among his Indian friends and sharing the best of the Anglo world. But when Trask threatens to ruin the peace in the Yosemite region Savage must expose his duplicitous ways.
Judge Clinton orders a mine closed when he is persuaded that the conditions are unsafe. The local newspaper editor disagrees in print, angering the judge who retaliates.
Every cattle drive needs a lead steer and Goodnight's Old Blue is the best. But some cowboys make him disappear to collect a reward then the Wilkes family find him and make him a pet. But a charge of rustling endangers a life.
The end of the Mexican American War leads to disputes between land owning families like the Ortegas and newer settlers. When Carlos Ortega is killed a lie leads to Brewster's imminent hanging.
Steve Warren is in California to install the first telephone system but lands in midst of a water dispute. The farming Cannon family are generous but at odds with ranchers like Phillips. Warren must end the feud to proceed.
Justin Gates is in time to save a boy deathly ill from a medicine show. Gates tries to shut it down but meets opposition from Professor Peacock and his strongman Samson. Gates must physically fight to stop Peacock's fraudulent claims.
Greg has only a once great horse Squire from his Virginia inheritance. He and new friend Dawson head west to make their fortune. But conman Murdock takes their money. It's up to to one more race from Squire to get it back.
An injured Bill Marshall stumbles into John Warner's store, is nursed to health and treated as one of the family. But Bill is working with rogue Indians to drive the Warners from San Jose valley. John must fight against the betrayal.
Buff McCloud runs a Nevada town with an iron fist, dispatching opposition ruthlessly. After bringing in dance hall girl Fay, he's jealous of her friendship with Randall who stands up to him. Randall uses psychology and faith to oppose him.