Cimarron

Thousands head to the Oklahoma Territory to claim free government land during the 1889 rush. Yancey Cravat and his wife Sabra cross the border from Kansas to join the throngs. The rush triggers a scramble for fortune and a new frontier life.

During the race, Yancey is outwitted by Dixie Lee, a young prostitute, who secures the Bear Creek claim he had targeted. The maneuver deprives him of what might have been his prime homestead. The incident foreshadows the ruthless competition of the frontier.

With his ranch plans foiled, Yancey moves to the boomtown of Osage. He confronts Lon Yountis, the outlaw who killed the town's former publisher, and shoots him dead. The kill clears a path for Yancey's future in Osage.

Drawing on his publishing background, Yancey establishes the Oklahoma Wigwam, a weekly newspaper, to give the frontier camp a sense of order and legitimacy. The paper helps shape Osage's early community and politics.

After the birth of their daughter Donna, a gang of outlaws led by The Kid threatens Osage. Yancey steps in to defend the town and ultimately kills The Kid to protect the community.

Guilt over The Kid's death drives Yancey to leave Sabra and their children to pursue the Cherokee Strip land rush. His departure marks a rupture in their marriage and a turn toward new opportunities elsewhere.

While Yancey is away, Sabra takes over the Wigwam and raises their children. He returns after five years, having served in the Spanish-American War, and reunites with his family and their town.

Not only does he return, but he also represents Dixie Lee in a public nuisance trial and wins her acquittal. His involvement highlights his influence as a publisher turned advocate.

Osage and the Oklahoma Territory grow as statehood approaches, realized in 1907. The early oil boom of the 1900s enriches settlers and reshapes Osage's economy.

In the following years, Yancey disappears for several years. Meanwhile Sabra pursues a hardline stance against Native Americans, even as her son grows involved with an Indian woman.

Years later, Sabra becomes the first woman elected to Congress from Oklahoma. She uses her position to champion Native American relatives, including her daughter-in-law.

Sabra rushes to Yancey's side after he rescues numerous oil drillers from a devastating explosion. He dies in her arms, marking the end of his long life of frontier leadership.