In 1790 the United States has a new Constitution. George Washington presides as the first elected president. Abroad, France and Britain are at war. And by 1795 seafaring Americans are accosted on the high seas by French privateers and British naval ships.

Tensions rise as American merchants continue to trade. Among them, Hasket Derby and Captain George Crowninshield busily build maritime empires while their sons seek a new way forward.

• Captain Elias Derby — Grew the Derby family business in Isle de France and India. Back in Salem, he’s ready to enter his father’s business. But Hasket Derby isn’t a man to relinquish control.
• Edward Crowninshield — Seeks obscurity in Marblehead until his father forces him to return to the sea.
• Captain Geordie Crowninshield — Sails Crowninshield family ships to ports from the West Indies to East Asia until his father calls him back to shore.
• Captain Jacob Crowninshield — Brings the first elephant to America and makes his fortune.
• Captain Nathaniel Silsbee — Defies every obstacle to rise from obscurity to captain his own ship.

Meanwhile, women shape their roles in new ways.

• Eliza Derby — Builds the largest mansion in New England.
• Lizzie Rowell — Arrives in Salem with desperation, determination, and dreams.
• Sarah Gardner — Bakes a bride cake before she’s a bride.

Inspired by real people and true events, this is a story about early America.