Ep 1. Around the Horn

At the start of season 2, the popular western series Wagon Train presents the episode "Around the Horn". The story takes place in the aftermath of the devastating Civil War in the United States. In this episode, the wagon train is led by the new trail master Major Seth Adams, who is committed to leading his team of pioneers across the rugged terrain of the American West.

The journey becomes more challenging when the wagon train receives a new order from the head of the Army, General Sheridan. The new orders are to change the original trail of the wagon train and move 'around the horn,' which means to cross a mountain chain that is considered almost impassable.

The team is faced with a daunting task to change their plans because the lives of their passengers and their future are now at stake. However, Major Seth Adams, being an experienced trail master, tries his best to accomplish this mission. He consults with his team, which includes Assistant Wagonmaster Bill Hawks, Bill's trusted sidekick Charlie Wooster, and scout Flint McCullough. The task of leading the wagon train through the mountainous region seems almost impossible, but the team is determined to succeed.

With the new orders in place, the wagon train needs to be modified for this particular trail. The team needs to cross higher elevations, and there is a high likelihood of falling boulders and avalanches. Furthermore, the team needs to use timber, sandbags, and extra supplies to guarantee a safe crossing. The crew splits to prepare for the crossing while still trying to safeguard the pioneers on their journey.

Along their journey and in their efforts to cross the mountain range, they encounter numerous challenges. The wagon train's horses get sick due to a poisonous weed, and their water supply is poisoned by outlaw bandits. In addition, the crew faces harsh weather conditions as they make their way across the mountain range, making the journey perilous treacherous than they had anticipated.

In the meantime, some of the pioneers remain divided about the route and whether they can trust the trailmaster's decision. Two of the passengers, in particular, an old-timer named Flapjack and a wealthy and influential beguiling woman, Miss Georgina, raise objections and question the wisdom of taking this new route. Flapjack does not think it is advisable for them to cross the mountain chain, while Miss Georgina feels that the team is incompetent and asks to speak to General Sheridan, thinking it will help her situation.

As they move yet further, the team encounters a small group of Indians. The Indians are friendly and willing to offer aid. However, Bill Hawks sees through the act and believes they are at risk from the Indians. Push forward and remaining determined to complete their mission, they make the risky decision to go forward alone.

Finally, the team reaches the peak of the mountain range, only to discover themselves stranded, faced with cliffs on either side and a narrow escape route. The only way out is to utilize the single wagon path that the Indians created centuries ago, using an old, steep, trail. The situation becomes even more intense as the weather changes, and a heavy downpour forces pack animals to stampede and threaten both people and wagons.

However, through their struggles, Major Seth Adams and his team find a way to overcome each obstacle, and the pioneers are finally led to safety on the other side. The team made it around the horn.

Around the Horn is an excellent example of the stunning portrayals of daily life during the American West in contrast to the precariousness of the situation in which it was often lived. The episode is action-packed and full of suspense, danger and is an epic journey for the wagon train.