Gabe Hansen is determined to build a railroad from Albuquerque to the Pacific Ocean, but first, he must deal with two major adversaries. One is Bernardo Tafoya, a Mexican who does all he can to prevent the railroad from coming through land that his family holds by virtue of an old Spanish land grant. The other obstacle to the railroad is Peter Van Zandt, son of Emory Van Zandt, the financier who is backing the railroad. Peter wants to get control of the railroad for himself. Makenna O'Shea is a beautiful young woman who becomes a surprisingly strong ally, falling in love with Gabe in the process. Makenna is forced to make a decision that saves the railroad, but at the expense of her relationship with Gabe.