
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 interrogated about the destruction of Hell on Wheels.
Cullen and Lily take over the railroad and the Sioux attack; Eva attends Toole's funeral.
Cullen and Elam secure their railroad positions in New York; Durant fights for his legacy from prison.
Cullen and Elam secure their railroad positions in New York; Durant fights for his legacy from prison.