Few settlers had the nerve to challenge the raging torrents of the unstoppable Mississippi. But riverman Owen Naylor had courage enough to forge his own destiny - a destiny that was bound to the glory he craved, the woman he desired, and the men he defied:

CHAROLETTE DUMAINE: The untouched beauty tested Naylor beyond all endurance, but he would give all he had to possess her.

LOUIS REYNAUD: The wealthy Creole stood between Naylor and his heart's desire, and he wouldn't surrender Charlotte without a fight to the death.

KENNETH SWAIN: The brawny keeler wanted to rule the river, but as long as Naylor lived, he'd never have a change.

Naylor would need a soldier's strength, a shootist's skill, and a gambler's luck to realize his dreams. If he failed, he'd be forever forgotten. If he succeeded, he'll change history.