The Night Riders A Thrilling Story of Love, Hate and Adventure, Graphically Depicting the Tobacco Uprising in Kentucky

"The Night Riders" by Henry Cleveland Wood is a captivating historical novel that plunges into the heart of the Kentucky tobacco uprising, weaving together the threads of romance, hostility, and thrilling escapades. It tells the story of Sally Brown, a toll-gate keeper, as she, her mother, and her suitor Milton Derr find themselves entangled in the growing conflict between struggling farmers and the oppressive toll-gate system. The book opens with a view into Sally’s humble life, setting the scene for the brewing tensions over unfair tolls and taxes. Sally's connection with her mother shows clashing perspectives on survival and potential romances, especially concerning the Squire, who embodies authority and a chance at stability. As Milton becomes increasingly involved with the Night Riders, a clandestine group determined to fight against the forces threatening their way of life, the narrative builds towards an explosive confrontation, forcing characters to confront their personal desires and their places in the unfolding societal rebellion.