Banners of Liberty tells the story of four generations of the McDonald family whose roots run deep in the Highlands of Scotland. Bonnie Prince Charlie's disastrous rebellion on Scotland's Culloden Moor in 1692, ended with young Kevin MacDonald being labeled a traitor. With the financial help of his wealthy parents, Kevin makes his way to Colonial Virginia and settles west of Richmond on a bluff above the James River. Always looking over his shoulder, he lives with the constant fear that the long arm of the British military will uncover the fact he betrayed his country. Ryan, Kevin's older son, has dreams of filling his father's shoes in continuing the successful operation of the plantation. Blake, the younger son, follows a completely different path, but before either son can pursue his own destiny, they become embroiled in the fledgling nation's fight for freedom. The brothers are polarized in their opinions and find they will be fighting on opposite sides. Following the war, Ryan returns to the plantation while Blake pursues his education. As a missionary, he is assigned to a post in Africa where his idealism of healing minds and bodies conflict with centuries of ancient tribal customs. Through great joy countered by great tragedy, Blake learns that sometimes love is not enough and not everyone can be saved. Blake's only son, Logan, enjoys an idyllic life on the flourishing plantation and is surrounded by a loving and large extended family until war again comes to the land after England attacks Ft. McHenry. Logan does not hesitate and leaves to join General Andrew Jackson in Tennessee. After the war ends, Logan returns to his beloved wife and plantation but later watches helplessly ashis older son refuses to accept values and virtues that all of the McDonald men have always held so dear. Corey takes perverse pleasure in bullying his brother, Dougal, and has no regard for anyone he feels is beneath his status. The animosity between the brothers builds to an inevitable breakdown. As his heartbroken parents watch, Dougal leaves Edgewater Plantation forever. Destiny leads Dougal to eastern Kentucky where he begins to build a new chapter in the saga of the McDonald family. Dougal had always planned to return to Virginia if only for a visit but his plan is altered forever when he receives a letter filled with tragedy. Several years later, a second letter closes the chapter of his life in Virginia forever.