
The Civil War is in the past, but former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon can't put it behind him. Fresh are the horrific memories of the death of his wife, killed at the hands of the Union soldiers, an act that sets Bohannon on a course of revenge. This contemporary Western tells the story of his journey, a story that rides on Union Pacific's construction of the first transcontinental railroad. Bohannon's westward travels take him to a lawless melting pot of a town called "Hell on Wheels," which moves with the construction of the railroad.

Cullen is haunted by his past; the fate of the railroad hangs in the balance.

Durant fights for his life and the railroad; Cullen tries to save an old friend.

Lily and Cullen struggle to maintain order; Elam plans for the future.

A new arrival brings chaos; Eva is caught between Elam and Mr. Toole.