Born to a wealthy Arkansas plantation owner in 1858, Ben Lewis enjoyed his childhood. His best friend was a black boy named Railroad Dockery, and over the years, they became as close as brothers. But when the Civil War came, the two were separated not only by distance, but by the ramifications of the War.
Ben's father lost his wealth and Ben moved to Jefferson, Texas, and grew to maturity. After completing high school, he attended law school, became an attorney, and married Marie DuPoint, a wealthy heiress from a Baltimore family. But while Ben found himself on the road to success, Railroad faced an uncertain future filled with discrimination and racial hatred.
Despite being apart for so long, when Railroad moves with his family to join Ben in Amarillo, Texas, the two immediately resume their friendship. Railroad helps Ben through the problems of his unhappy marriage, the nightmare of his lost grandson, and the Great Depression. Through it all, the two men refuse to see the color of each other's skin, preferring to look at the man inside.
Brothers of Color is a moving testament to the bonds of friendship and a revealing look at America in the aftermath of the Civil War.
