Pickett's Gap

"Pickett's Gap" by Homer Greene is a tale set in the early 1900s about Abner Pickett, a tough farmer, whose relationship with his son, Charlie, is tested when Charlie wants to be a surveyor instead of working on the farm, their conflict highlighting the importance of family and tradition. The death of Abner's daughter-in-law casts a shadow over their lives, and Charlie's wish to leave the farm for surveying deepens the divide. They have a big fight, and Charlie leaves. Years later, Charlie comes back working for a railroad company. The project threatens Abner's home and the family graveyard, which sets up a new conflict. The story builds around Dannie, Abner's grandson, deals with the loss of his father while also learning stories about the family graveyard, setting off events that put family ties and respect for heritage in doubt.