From the first rumblings of unrest and secession in the South, this dramatic saga follows the Rocklin family as they experience the intense emotions and spiritual struggles of the Civil War. As the nation is ripped apart, only to grow stronger, so also are the Rocklins. The family stands by helplessly as cousins Clay and Gideon Rocklin vie for the hand of beautiful Melanie Benton, whose choice starts the rejected suitor on a spiraling descent.