Wagon Wheels 1934

Departure from Independence

On May 1, 1840, a wagon train departs Independence, Missouri for Oregon, led by old scouts Bill O'Meary and Jim Burch with the young Clint Belmet and passengers Nancy Wellington and her boy Sonny. Clint warns Nancy about the arduous journey ahead, but she remains determined and buys a sturdy rig to begin the trek. The caravan sets off along the Oregon Trail, setting the course for a difficult long voyage.

Nancy's past and budding romance

Nancy, a widow who kidnapped Sonny after his father died, shares her past with Clint and asks for his understanding. The two grow closer as the route grows more arduous, and their relationship begins to blossom into love. The rest of the caravan continues along the trail while their bond deepens in secret.

Murdock's conspiracy revealed

Fearing the white man will destroy his fur trade in the Northwest, Kenneth Murdock conspires with other trappers to block the settlers' path to Powder River. He works behind the scenes, sowing danger and trying to halt the journey before it reaches its destination. The threat from the conspirators shadows the caravan as they push onward.

Abby begins her journal and falls for Jim

Abby Masters, elderly and observant, keeps a journal of the trip and begins to fall for Jim Burch. Her notes capture the camaraderie and growing affection within the caravan as hardship mounts. The two-week struggle with danger also helps cement their bond.

Two-week battle with Indians

The caravan endures a two-week fight with roving bands of Indians, testing its resilience and resolve. Abby's journal records the constant peril, while the men defend the wagons and keep the march moving. The ongoing clashes take a toll in both hardship and morale.

Five men dead and a push to turn back

After the fifth man dies, Murdock presses the group to turn back, hoping to abort the expedition. Clint refuses, insisting they must press forward and lead the train to Oregon. The decision cements Clint's leadership and keeps the caravan on the path to its destination.

Beaver Parks Trading Post stop

The caravan reaches Beaver Parks Trading Post, where the men spend two weeks drinking and gambling. The women keep watch, and the respite tests the group’s patience as danger remains nearby. When the men slip into leisure, tensions rise and the crew prepares for renewed effort.

Clint disappears and uncovers Murdock plot

Clint disappears for four days, returning with evidence that Murdock is conspiring with Indians to hinder the march. He warns the others and begins to mobilize a response to protect the caravan. The discovery shifts the balance of power as suspicion and resolve grow within the group.

Women rally to bring the men back on track

In response to Clint's discovery, the women rally the men to resume the trail and refuse the lure of delay. The men bend to the pressure and commit to pushing forward toward Powder River. This renewed determination steadies the caravan's march.

Indian attack at Powder River

Upon reaching Powder River, the Indians attack the caravan, claiming the lives of Abby's sister Hetty and the scout Bill. Clint uses a kerosene wagon to create a smoke screen, forcing the attackers to retreat. The survivors renew their vow to reach Oregon despite the ongoing danger.

Bill's ghost joins the pledge

As the battle subsides, the hand of Bill's ghost appears and joins the survivors in a pledge to endure and protect each other. The vision reinforces the sense of unity and shared destiny as they press on. The moment marks a symbolic turning point toward a safer passage to Oregon.