In March of 1920, just outside of Center, North Dakota, Hazel Miner and her two siblings – Emmet and Myrdith – are getting ready to leave school. The students have been sent home early as the weather has started to turn from a gentle snowfall to what looks like it could be a terrible snowstorm. The siblings struggle through the wind and snow, and their sled overturns into a coulee and the three take shelter to try and survive the night. As they fight to stay warm and awake, their parents and friends work furiously to try and find them before it’s too late.

In 1883 Dakota Territory, the Marquis de Mores and wife Medora arrive to build a home, town, and meat empire, facing hostility from ranchers, beef trusts, and violent locals determined to drive them out.