The story takes place in 1893 in Lake Valley, New Mexico during one of the worst droughts in recorded history. Samantha 'Sam' Kincade (Lessie), the town's Sheriff, who reluctantly assumed the position due to the untimely death of her husband, is assigned the task of rationing water and keeping peace amongst a growing number of people that are becoming desperate from their plight. The most dastardly of which, wealthy cattle rancher Wallace Bell (Allyn) and the outlaw Trevor 'Bullet' Dalton (Zook), hatch a plan to take control of the town, the water, and their future. Who will get the upper hand and live to tell the tale?