The Unvanquished is set in Mississippi during the Civil War and Reconstruction and follows the Sartoris family, who represent the best of the Old South's traditions with their code of personal responsibility and courage. The Unvanquished is divided into seven episodes that take place between 1862 and 1873. Some episodes are quickly followed by others, while others are separated by months or years. On the Sartoris property, Bayard Sartoris and his slave companion Ringo are described as playing in the dirt.