The Soul of the Land is about one of the last virgin areas in the United States settled under the Homestead Act of 1862. It follows the lives of the Atchley brothers and their families as they toil to achieve the great American dream of becoming successful land owners in eastern Idaho (in the Fremont County/Ashton/Marysville area) in a time ravaged by drought, a world-wide flu epidemic, prohibition and the great depression. Not only were they and their families tested, so was the mettle of our great nation.

Many of us believe we can take charge of lives and control our destiny. Our lives however, are often shaped by forces far beyond our control. And just as often as not, these events are man made. That J.A. and his brother John met these challenges in very different ways is testimony to the indomitable human spirit. Both men worked to influence the outcome; once succeeded, the other was swept along like flotsam in a raging river of despair.