The entire novel takes place in the state of Florida from the years 1858 to 1968. The story begins in the early MacIvey settlement area in northern Florida and covers the expanse of the state all the way to Miami and finally to the novel's conclusion in Punta Rassa on the west coast. Tobias treks the Florida scrub country learning to know it intimately and ventures occasionally to trading posts located on the state's east and west coasts.