Wyoming has the desire to become a state. Myrl Redding (John Cusack) is willing to sign a petition and help lead the cause. His neighbor, big rancher Henry Ballard, (L. Q. Jones) is angered at Redding’s action. To retaliate, Ballard decides to charge Redding a passage fee for the use of his land as he goes to and from places. Unfortunately, Redding cannot afford the fee so he strikes a deal with Ballard. Until Redding is able to sell some horses, he will leave two of his best animals with Ballard. Ballard agrees. However, when Redding returns from the horse sale, he finds that Ballard has abused his prize horses. Redding is so angered that he takes the matter to court. But Ballard has the courts in his pocket and the judge throws out the case. Redding is angered beyond words and vows to seek revenge. Will this affect the bid for statehood for Wyoming?