Survival at Guntersville revolves around the survival of the Bascom family during that devastating time in American history know as the Civil War. Although the story centers around one family, the atrocities inflicted upon the people of the South during those four provocative years of war affected many families throughout the southern states. Beginning with the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, a chronicle of events begins to unfold. After Lincolnas inauguration, Martin Bascom comes to realize that the survival of his family hinges on his ability to adjust to the hardships inflicted upon his family and the residents of Guntersville. Confederate consignment laws, increased taxes, and even the weather creates an extra burden on the family. In addition, the Union armyas policy of acquiring victory over the people of the South through means of starvation, pillaging, and burning of homes begins to take its toll.