The series centers on Kevin Corcoran, an Irish immigrant policeman trying to keep the peace in the historical Five Points neighborhood in 1860s New York City while searching for information on the disappearance of his wife and death of his daughter. It explores the aftermath of the American Civil War as well as the social stratification involving New York's aristocracy and African American population.
In the wake of national tragedy, Detective Kevin Corcoran reels like the rest of the country. As Corcoran mourns with Robert Morehouse and Doctor Matthew Freeman, the three men decide to join a national effort once more. For the three friends, the mission elicits memories from the battlefield, resurfaces faces from the past, and creates opportunity for Five Points chaos to continue unabated.
On the move, evading retaliation, Detective Kevin Corcoran works to remain hidden while seeing through events he set in motion. Old loyalties are tested and unlikely friends are made as the people of Five Points and uptown struggle to maintain their foothold in a city driven by vengeance. A catastrophic national event shatters the hope of smooth post-war recovery for not only the people of New York City, but also the United States at large.
Looming devastation to Five Points forces Detective Kevin Corcoran to take drastic, irrevocable action. Injuries old and new push Doctor Matthew Freeman to the breaking point. As Elizabeth Morehouse spirals further into addiction, intervention comes from the unlikeliest of sources.
Detective Kevin Corcoran begins to question the motives behind strongholds of the Five Points community, and he solicits coppers of the Sixth Precinct to suss out the truth. In a collision of public and private spheres, Robert Morehouse’s marriage creates strife in his business ventures. The Freeman family struggles to maintain their freedom and well-being while confronting bigots in their community.
Returning to the Precinct, Detective Kevin Corcoran is staggered when he discovers a new investigation has one close to him in chains. Racing to free his friend, Corcoran seeks help from those in power. However, General Brendan Donovan is consumed by an upcoming, major political and business move. Meanwhile, Doctor Matthew Freeman approaches Robert Morehouse to suggest a joint effort to aid the city.
