Samuel McElroy is a hard working, God-fearing young man who would be quite content working alone with his team of mules and an axe in the woods of central New York constructing a section of the Erie Canal. Set with as much historical accuracy as possible the story follows Samuel as he teams up with another ambitious young man, Robert Bruce, to help build the Erie Canal and then develop a barge transport company. Robert’s high aspirations, a rough bully, and a flirtatious lady all force Samuel out of his solitary and comfortable lifestyle into one where his selflessness impacts the lives of everyone around him. Samuel never feels that he handles any situation well but his efforts to do the right thing make him a wonderfully peculiar man.