Raised on the River Oaks Plantation in Louisiana, Devlin Ruston, son of the plantation overseer, witnesses the cruelty and abuse inflicted on the slaves by the plantation owner, Braxton Hayden. Devlin takes a stand against this oppression and soon becomes the champion of the black people; vowing that one day he will see them set free. With the impending Civil War on the horizon, Devlin is confident that his vow of freedom for the slaves is about to be achieved. Although Devlin has nothing but contempt for the plantation owner, he complicates matters by falling in love with Master Haydens daughter, Rebecca. Dreaming of one day marrying this beautiful girl, Devlin recognizes that for someone with his lowly background, this dream could never materialize. Eventually, Devlin rises above his station in life to fulfill his dream and become the owner of the largest plantation in Louisiana.