Set in Nevada in the 1860’s, Bonanza chronicled the adventures of the Cartwright family who owned a large ranch called The Ponderosa. Ben Cartwright and his three sons, Adam, Hoss, and Joe fought for what was just and decent in a time where lawlessness was common.

The widowed patriarch Ben Cartwright had three sons, each by a different wife: the oldest was the urbane architect Adam Cartwright, who built the ranch house. The second was the warm and lovable giant Eric, better known by his nickname “Hoss.” And the youngest was the hotheaded and impetuous Joseph or “Little Joe.” They all lived and worked on The Ponderosa. Nearby Virginia City helped populate the episodes with guest starring characters from all over America.

Broadcast between September 1959 and January 1973. Filmed by the National Broadcasting Company at Paramount Studios.

“The Trail Gang” Season 2 Episode 11 Ben and Hoss hire a new trail gang to take cattle back to Nevada. They also hire a young drifter named Sam Jackson. Brazis, the leader of the trail gang recognizes Jackson but keeps it a secret. When they arrived in the town of Waycross, they find that the sheriff has a not so welcoming attitude towards trail gangs. Ben and Hoss soon find out that keeping watch on the trail gang is a lot harder than they thought it would be.