Step into the raw early decades of the American nation. Alcohol consumption is four times modern levels, ratfighting and eye-gouging are popular sports, half of all children get no schooling, and our national government is gridlocked. Yet the land crackles with energy, bold ventures, and surges of new immigrants. Amidst this cacophony, three puritan boys from New England drive themselves to great achievements—and transform the nation in the process.