In May of 1771, a band of colonists who call themselves "Regulators" take up arms against the British authorities. After being soundly defeated at the battle of Alamance, the band of ragtag rebels is captured, along with Jack Stuart, who fought alongside the Regulators during the battle. Dr Stuart must find a way to rescue his son and save his family name.

Through hardship and danger, house-raising and romance, the ties that bind the Stuart Family and the small pioneer community grow. Despite himself, and with the help of Isaiah Sims, Dr Stuart, struggling with the pride of his loyalist feelings and his dreams of returning to England., finds himself the leader of this diverse mountain community.

The doctor's aid and expertise lead to a friendship between the settlers and he Cherokee Indians. While the British are attempting to urge the Cherokee to wage war against the settlers, Dr Stuart's aid among the native peoples leads  an understanding between the Cherokee and the  villagers. With the help of Nane'hi (Nancy Ward), daughter of a Cherokee Chief, and Daniel Boone, the mountain settlement remains free or the time being.

Dr Stuart must choose between the love of a son and his loyalty to England. Ultimately, Stuart joins his son and neighbors on the long trek to King's Mountain. There, they meet with destiny...a destiny that forged the future of a nation.