
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 returns to work on the railroad, and clashes with his new boss; Durant and Campbell battle over valuable real estate.

Cullen handles trouble at home and takes railroad matters into his own hands; Campbell makes a move against Mickey and Durant.

Cullen's family is at risk when a stranger arrives, stirring up old feelings; The Swede faces the consequences.

Elam tries to recover in a Comanche village from a savage bear attack, to make his way back to Cheyenne.