It is the 1870s in the picturesque community of Willow Creek, Missouri. To casual observers and westward-moving settlers, the town is a bustling, rural community. Beneath its quiet surface, however, ill feelings are beginning to fester between two of its citizens.
Hardworking farmer Samuel Sindell and his three sons already possess a large farm on which they grow crops and pasture herds. But Samuel is not satisfied and wants acreage belonging to the easygoing miller, Amos Becker. Samuel, who is undeterred by Amos's reluctance to sell, uses underhanded manipulation to acquire the land. Unfortunately, his quarrelsome attitude and exploitations spark strong resentment in Amos. When Samuel's animosity and Amos's passive needling slowly reduce their relationship into a feud, the rift between the families grows as greed, pranks, and vandalism escalate and threaten to divide the community.
In this compelling historical tale set in late 1800s Missouri, the future of Willow Creek hangs in the balance as two stubborn citizens and their families engage in what is about to become a life-changing battle over one hundred and sixty acres.