Thomas Dunson, a tough and determined rancher, dreams of building a cattle empire in Texas with the help of his loyal trailhand Groot and adopted son Matt Garth, whom he rescued as a young orphan. Dunson’s initial efforts involve establishing his own branding and acquiring land by force if necessary. Years later, when Dunson's ranch in Texas has flourished but is financially overextended, he decides to drive his massive herd of cattle north to Missouri for better market prices. The journey is fraught with peril including treacherous terrain, river crossings, and conflicts with Native American tribes. Tensions rise within the group as Dunson's tyrannical leadership and harsh tactics create animosity among the men.

As the cattle drive progresses, the bond between Dunson and Matt begins to fray. Matt, whose leadership style starkly contrasts with Dunson’s authoritarian methods, increasingly finds himself at odds with his adoptive father. Dunson’s relentless obsession with achieving his goal pushes him to extreme measures, leading to a mutiny among the cowhands. The men are torn between their loyalty to Dunson and their growing respect for Matt, who emerges as a natural leader. With morale on the brink, Matt is forced into a position where he must challenge the authority of his once-revered mentor to ensure the survival of the drive and the men.