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 then 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 O'Dell works for a greedy mine owner Fred Gerlock who pushes his men to the limit. A strike is called but the optimistic Pat believes if he has his lucky shirt all will be well. But Fred only believes in money which leads to an unfortunate end.

Liz saves Scrubby's life in a mine accident and that leads to a partnership. They hit it big but then Liz succumbs to the charms of a con artist Andrew who's only after her 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 and his gang high jack a stagecoach when the passengers are entirely female. 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.

Quong Kee arrives in wild Tombstone in 1881 and quickly establishes himself as an excellent cook and businessman. More important he is everyone's friend, aiding future senator Art's romance with Ann by befriending his proper Bostonian mother.

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.

Trick Shot Artist comes to town to take a woman away from the local Gunsmith, her fiance.

A player piano in a saloon plays a particular melody that evokes a somewhat strange reaction from a woman and gives a clue to a man's disappearance.

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.

A US Navy officer is assigned to chart the Missouri River, but he runs into some unexpected hostility from a bull-headed army officer.

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. But luck is with Stoddard in the end.

Innocent John Studebaker arrives in Hangtown hoping to make his fortune as a miner. But con men take advantage and leave him broke. His talent for making wheelbarrows gives him enough for a grubstake until fate intervenes and he begins a different future.

Mystery shrouds a stage robbery when the alleged culprit is killed before he can be questioned.

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 his son travel to Spanish held California to trap but the superstitious governor has them arrested. While in jail they are befriended by Carlota. The Pattie's knowledge of medicine helps the entire community during an epidemic.

Ma's circus has fallen on hard times but she plans reviving the show's fortune rest on Juliette and her equestrian act. The situation begins to improve thanks to Holland's efforts 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.