Lee Horsley starred as Nathaniel "Hawkeye" Bumppo, a hunter, woodsman and marksman who traversed the wilderness with his Indian companion Chingachgook in the New York's Hudson Valley during the French and Indian wars in the year 1755. Hawkeye used his skills in support of the local British forces.

Hawkeye was a friend to many, including the British merchants and soldiers at Fort Bennington and the Indian tribes of the region. His Indian sidekick was a member of the Delaware tribe.

Nathaniel, Elizabeth and Chingachgook

Hawkeye and Chingachgook's acquaintances included:

• Lynda Carter as Elizabeth Shields, who operated the trading post at the fort. She was rescued by Hawkeye and Chingachgook from hostile Iroquois Indians while traveling from Virginia to her new home at the fort. Her husband William (Michael Berry) was later taken by Indians and is presumed dead but Elizabeth hopes for his return all the while she if secretly falling love with Nathaniel who assists her in locating her lost husband.
• Garwin Sanford as Captain Taylor Shields, the corrupt second-in-command at Fort Bennington. Elizabeth's former suitor, Taylor colluded with Indians sympathetic to the French to have his brother captured.
• Lochlyn Munro as McKinney, a trading post employee.
• Jed Rees as Peevey, a trading post employee.
• Duncan  Fraser as Colonel Munro, Shield's superior.