The Iron Furrow

"The Iron Furrow" by George C. Shedd is a story set in the challenging landscape of early 20th-century New Mexico, and focuses on Lee Bryant, a determined young engineer who risks everything to transform his struggling ranch into a thriving property through irrigation. The narrative follows Bryant as he navigates the harsh realities of rural life, faces off against the powerful Menocal family who are trying to foil his plans, and works to not only bring water to the dry land but also deal with growing conflict between different settlers; all while building a relationship with Ruth Gardner who is homesteading nearby. The book highlights themes of resilience, and the struggles of the early settlers. The reader is exposed to the tough reality of homesteading, and explores how the main character must balance his dreams with the challenges.