This is a historical novel of North Carolina, and follows the history of the Mark Murray family from about 1850 to the present day. Professor Murray moved his family from a comfortable life in Richmond to a pioneer life in the hills, far from the tensions of city life. The Murrays cheerfully adapted themselves to their new surroundings, and learned to build their own home and to make a living from the soil. They found loyal friends in the Munros, the Carsons, and the Cannons and learned to share their joys and sorrows.

Then came 1861 and the War between the States, and Donald Murray, Richard Munro, and other young men of the region went off to battle. The author's portrayl of the war years reveals a thorough knowledge of the distress of that period and a sympathy for the suffering people.