In 1892 Ireland, tenant farmers like Joseph Donnelly long for autonomy over the land they cultivate, which is owned by wealthy landlords who impose exorbitant rents. After the tragic death of his father, Joseph faces the ruthless forces of landlord Daniel Christie when their family home is set ablaze due to unpaid rent. In a fit of rage, Joseph confronts Daniel, only to injure himself in the process. Thankfully, Daniel's wife, Nora, along with his daughter, Shannon, cares for him, albeit with the grim fate of facing execution for his attempted murder.
Nora aspires to groom Shannon into a polished young lady, but Shannon proudly stands against her mother’s expectations. She confides in Joseph about her dream of fleeing to America, where land can be claimed for free. During an escape attempt, Joseph finds himself embroiled in a duel with Stephen Chase, Daniel's financial manager. However, fate has other plans as Shannon persuades Joseph to evade this duel and accompany her to a new life.
Boarding a ship to America, Joseph and Shannon encounter Mr. McGuire, who reinforces the allure of free land in Oklahoma, although they must navigate a daunting journey of a thousand miles to claim it. Shannon reveals her secret collection of silver spoons that will help fund their adventure.
Upon reaching Boston, a chaotic event leads to McGuire's death, and Shannon loses her precious spoons in the mayhem. They receive assistance from Mike Kelly, an Irish ward boss who provides them both with jobs and a place to stay. Joseph, seizing the chance to make extra cash, becomes embroiled in bare-knuckle boxing matches at Kelly's club. As time passes, Joseph and Shannon find themselves drawn to each other, but complications arise when Grace, a dancer at the club, enters the picture, igniting jealousy in Shannon.
One night, when Joseph discovers Shannon has opted to dance burlesque for extra income, he storms into the club to rescue her. To make ends meet, Kelly's crew persuades Joseph to take on an Italian boxer, promising a share of the winnings that could secure their dream of Oklahoma. However, during the fight, the sight of Shannon being disrespected pulls Joseph's focus away, leading to his defeat. In a harsh retaliation, Kelly and his men strip them of their hard-earned money, leaving them stranded on the streets.
In dire straits and seeking refuge from the bitter cold, the couple finds temporary shelter in an abandoned house. Their bond deepens as they share a heartfelt moment, but the moment is abruptly shattered when the house owners return and, in the chaos, Shannon is shot. Fearing for her safety, Joseph returns Shannon to her family, believing they'll take better care of her. He then embarks on a solitary journey westward toward the Ozarks, where he finds work laying train tracks.
Time passes until a wagon train signals the chance for his longed-for future in Oklahoma. He rushes to join the train only to find Shannon, Stephen, and the Christies have made it there before him. In a fierce conflict for her affections, Stephen threatens Joseph's life if he approaches Shannon. The land rush unfolds with Joseph determinedly racing toward their claim. Just as he reaches Shannon and Stephen, a brutal altercation leads to Joseph being trampled by a horse.
As he lies on the ground, Shannon rushes to his side, passionately renouncing Stephen's claims over her as she professes her love for Joseph in a touching moment. Miraculously, Joseph revives at her declaration, and together, they drive their flag into the earth, claiming their shared future and land in the wild expanse of Oklahoma.
