Joe Walker is born into slavery in the 1850's and is sold away from his family at the age of nine. He eventually escapes from his new master and joins the Union Army at age 17 where he serves as a trooper in the 5th Colored Cavalry. After the war, he goes in search of his family and reunites with his older brother Amos, on a wagon train west. Once settled, Joe pursues the occupations of farmer, bounty hunter, cowboy, and rancher in an attempt to recreate the family he had lost. His journey from enslavement to freedom and self-determination tests and defines his faith, his courage, and his manhood.