
Ben Cartwright is the patriarch of an all-male Nevada ranching family. Set during and after the Civil War, "Bonanza" is the story of life on the family's thousand-acre spread, known as the Ponderosa, near Virginia City. Ben has his three sons, each with a different (and deceased) mother. Serious eldest son Adam hopes to follow in his father's footsteps; middle son Hoss is a gentle giant -- physically strong, but sometimes naive; and youngest son Little Joe is the most impetuous and romantic of the offspring.
The Cartwrights' neighbor (Franchot Tone), a former soldier and lawman, seeks security for his daughter.
A mining tycoon holds Little Joe hostage to divide the Cartwright clan and take over the Ponderosa; guest Yvonne De Carlo.
Bigoted Ike Daggett takes action when Ben gives an Indian and his wife land after the Indian saves his life.
A merchant tries to monopolize Virginia City's meat supply, forcing Indians to poach on the Ponderosa; guest Barry Sullivan.