A wagon train moves across the plains, only to be attacked by lawless Native American raiders. While attempting to rid the plains of raiders, Sioux Chief Yellow Eagle (Ian MacDonald) and his warriors discover the scene of the massacre. They adopt the sole survivor, a young boy, and rename him Warbonnet. Years later, the adult Warbonnet (Charlton Heston) is in a tough spot when a war erupts between the Sioux and the settlers, prompting the adopted pioneer to question his allegiances.