Based on an actual event. In 1908 and sight unseen, Iowa born Ethan McShane gave over half of his life savings to buy land near the small town of Palisade, Colorado. Eager to see the land, he caught the next train out. However, with no assurance of a proper home for her, he left his bride of just a few short days behind. Less than a month later, she too excitedly boarded a train bound for Colorado - a train that would never reach its destination.