After gold is discovered in California, Lt. Beale endeavors to be the first to make it back east with a sample of the precious mineral. His travels involve escaping Mexican bandits.
Edward Beale is in charge of an unusual experiment of the US Army before the Civil War. Camels are imported to travel the vast distances of the desert southwest while the men must learn of animal's behavior and capabilities.
Among the first American settlers to California, Olive and Vicki organize a school when the men leave to fight Mexico. Without supplies the women improvise with charcoal and other daily items near the Santa Clara mission.
Bank manager Dan Crosby is accused of a gold theft and is almost lynched. But his girl Mary breaks him out from jail and Dan is able to get a confession from the real culprit by using the proximity of arsenic water to a thirsty man.
Charlie Bates is a watchman in the mining town of Bodie and believes he has second sight. When a stagecoach robbery happens to miles away he's able to recount specific details. Many years later wife Edith provides the solution.
The days of Mark Twain as a newspaper editor in the Comstock mining area are portrayed. Highlighted are his reluctant involvement in a duel and how his friends help him out, setting him out on his fame as a humorist plus world renowned writer.
Brothers John and Dave Chapman share a faithful dog Colonel but when Dave leave Calico to work in Bismarck, their pet decides to travel between the towns. Soon he's used to transport mail increasing the jealousy of Dave's girl Nancy.
During the administration of president Zachary Taylor, the United States levied a tax on the mines in California. Outraged by this tax, and feeling it amounts to taxation without representation, miners in the small town of Rough and Ready, California, led by a prominent businessman named Bundage, decide to secede from the union and create the Republic of Rough and Ready with Bundage as president. The fact that 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' quickly becomes evident as Bundage becomes a dictator.
The beginnings of the Tiburcio Vasquez's entry into a life of crime is told beginning with his dislike of the Americanos. His prison escape and various exploits eventually lead to a bitter end in 1870's California.
Frank Grouard, a mixed race man, finds himself between the Indian life and the white man's culture. He eventually becomes a highly regarded scout for the army, sent on the toughest of assignments.
Kentuckian William Coleman heads to California in 1849 to try his luck during the gold rush. But he soon discovers his talents lie elsewhere and makes several fortunes farming and mining borax. He also cleans up San Francisco as a vigilante.
The mining town of Camptonville, California is home to millwright Lester Pelton in the 1870's. With the aid of the Groves family sewing machine Lester devises a way to use hydraulic energy to revolutionize mining.
Billy Benson believes in the easy life and it doesn't involve marrying Annie Parker who would like that to happen. He relocates to Greenwater where as a bad typesetter he accidentally insults the good citizens. Annie must rescue him from his troubles.
Mining has disappeared in 1900 Nevada but men like Jim Butler keep looking. He locates a major find in Tonopah, making his partners Johnny, Tasker and himself rich. But keeping claim jumpers at bay may need expert help like Wyatt Earp.
The Mexican ranchers of early 19th century California are set upon by notorious pirate Bouchard. The Ortega family fights back, capturing a shanghaied sailor Joe Chapman. A hard worker, he soon falls in love with the lovely Lupe Ortega.
Colonel Campbell and his associate Blocker found the XIT ranch, one of the largest in Texas. But they are confounded by cattle rustlers like Johnny Santos and their inability to prove he's changing brands. A trial helps resolve the issue.
Tildy and Porphyry Smith struggle living in the Mojave Desert. After years they sell a claim and Por heads to LA to bring the 1st car to the region. But he's been sold a hearse, leaving his neighbors laughing until they need help during a flood.
Nancy Gable, a expert shooter, travels with husband Frank as part of Buffalo Bill's western show. She decides to set the record for a cross country on horseback and her ordeals during the 180 days are exciting but also dangerous.
Charlie Parkhurst escapes a poorhouse, apprentices to a livery and becomes a horse expert. Hired by Wells Fargo in California, Charlie is one their most trusted drivers for decades. But a surprising secret is revealed in death.
Bob Stevenson meets Fanny Osbourne, mother of two, while convalescing in France. They grow closer, marry and move to California for his health. Stories he created to entertain the children will be classics as written by Robert Louis Stevenson.
Deputy sheriff Wall Kennedy is better known for spinning tales then solving crimes. When John is arrested for a knife murder at a party his girl Holly stands by him. Wall, with only one eye, claims special insight into finding the actual killer.
Colorado sheep rancher Ed Pratt sends his son Loren to market with a herd. Most die overnight in a meadow and the father blames the boy. Loren runs away, meeting wanted robber Haley. Toxic plant news plus an arrest assist improves matters.
Kit Carson heads to the yearly meet up of trappers and friendly Indians in 1825. It's a time to visit with friends plus tangle with enemies like the Frenchman Pierre. Kit meets a lovely Indian woman Waa-Nibe and considers making her his wife.
The tumultuous political career of Sam Houston is recalled after marrying a younger Margaret Lea. Serving as leader of an independent Texas plus as governor and senator after it became a state, he relied heavily on his wife's support.
Teamsters Lem and Brad, make what is usually an uneventful time hauling borax. But one trip they must contend with a crazed cook Chang, a Indian burning and Lem gambling away some of the mules. Brad just wants to wed Enid.