Set during the Oklahoma land rush of 1889, the story follows Yancey Cravat, a charismatic and adventurous newspaper editor who moves from Wichita, Kansas, to the newly established town of Osage in Oklahoma. Driven by a dream of starting anew and claiming free land, he takes his strong-willed wife, Sabra, and their young son with him to the frontier. Upon arrival, Yancey quickly becomes a prominent figure in the burgeoning community, using his newspaper, the "Osage Wigwam," to influence public opinion and champion justice amidst the lawlessness of the region. As the town grows, Yancey's aspirations and idealism lead him into various conflicts and challenges against the temptations and corruption that arise in the wild setting.

Yancey's restless spirit often pulls him away from his family as he seeks adventures and causes beyond their immediate life together. Meanwhile, Sabra proves resilient, adapting to her new environment, raising their children, and managing the newspaper in Yancey's frequent absences. Her determination gradually earns her respect and recognition within the community. Throughout their lives on the frontier, Yancey and Sabra experience the evolution of Osage from a rough settlement to a flourishing city, witnessing pivotal social changes, including evolving attitudes toward Native Americans and African Americans. The narrative explores themes of ambition, resilience, societal transformation, and the personal sacrifices involved in building a new life on the American frontier.