Life in the coal mines of Ohio and Pennsylvania was fraught with tragedy, illness and death in the early 20th Century. Irish immigrant Jamie Burns fights anti-Irish sentiment and danger, both in the mines and out. In Southeastern Ohio, the Markhams continue to build their merchandising empire, with builder Fred Hunt providing both inspiration for the Markhams and a distraction for several women whose paths cross his. Fictitious characters interact with real historical figures in this look at the early days of the United Mine Workers of America in the Appalachian Valley coal region.