Pat Flannigan has plans to resurrect a failed railroad spur line that runs from Boise, Idaho to Jordan Valley, Oregon. Though the cattlemen and the valley residents initially welcome the railroad, opposition led by James Wilson, the most prominent rancher, soon develops. When a cow, seemingly with hoof and mouth disease shows up, everything begins to go downhill...fast. Accusations are thrown at Flannigan and Sterling Cassidy, a crusading newspaper man, attacks Flannigan for introducing an infected cow. When Sterling is suddenly killed in the middle of the night all fingers point to Flannigan. A range war begins while Sheriff Ferrell tries to pin down who is responsible for the bombing that killed Sterling, and justice will be served.