On March 18, 1869, Reid is returning home via the uncompleted Transcontinental Railroad, managed by railroad tycoon Julius Bartholomew, en route to Colby, Texas to visit his older brother and Texas Ranger, Dan Reid. Unbeknownst to John, the train is also carrying outlaw Butch Cavendish, who is being transported for his hanging after being apprehended by Dan. Two Native American warriors, Tonto and Eve, got on the train to found an important item. Cavendish's gang, however, hijacks the train, which derails soon after, resulting in Butch escaping and Tonto's arrest by John and Dan. The elder Reid recruits John as a Texas Ranger and the two are enlisted to track down the Cavendish gang alongside a group of six other Rangers.