Luke Reed admires his father, a hardworking homesteader battling the harsh prairie lands of Iowa. Still, Luke, a talented artist, dreams of a different kind of life. His father says that Luke's artwork is a waste of time, but Uncle Eli is more sympathetic. A trader of goods along the Santa Fe Trail, Eli has led an adventurous life. When an unexpected event frees Luke from the backbreaking work of the farm, he eagerly agrees to join his uncle on a trip to Boston. As the pair travel east by horseback, ferry, and stagecoach, they see hordes of people going the other way. There's gold in California, so the rumor says. Before long, Luke and Uncle Eli are tempted to turn right around and join the rush west!During the Gold Rush, dreamers of every kind flocked to California to make their fortunes. Luke's own journey, filled with excitement, discovery, and danger, is a memorable American Adventure.