Western expert explains how Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone spinoff 1883 accurately portrays key historical details

A Western expert analyzes the historical accuracy of Taylor Sheridan’s Western drama 1883. Coming out in late 2021.1883 is the first of several spinoffs in Sheridan’s extensive Yellowstone franchise and explores the origins of the Dutton family and how their famous ranch came to be. The show ran for just one season and features talented names such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett and Marc Rissmann.

In a video by insiderCowboy and Wild West historian Michael Grauer analyzes some scenes from 1883 and highlights their historical accuracy. Watch the video below:

Grauer analyses the most commonly used mode of transport in the early years, Debunking the myth that most people traveled by covered wagon instead of train. He also notes how critical women were in 1883and added that it’s pretty accurate to reality. Read his full quote below:

One of the great myths of the American West is that everyone got to their destination by covered wagon. Well, most likely they got there by train. In 1883, of course, there were railroads. They ran from Texas to Oregon, and in this case, it was German immigrants trying to get to Oregon.

Of course there were dangers everywhere, so these parts are pretty accurate. Animal attacks were rare, rattlesnakes were of course everywhere in the West and that could happen. Disease was the leading cause of death on covered wagon trains and usually it had something to do with bad water.

Women were critical. Of course, it was largely a patriarchal society where women didn’t necessarily become wagon train leaders or anything like that, but they also made it clear that they should have a say when they were asked to do certain things, like cooking, collecting things, working as a nurse. I would give this scene a 7 or an 8.

“1883” is probably Sheridan’s best show yet

The show was strengthened by remarkable performances

Sheridan is currently one of the best known television producers in the modern landscape. Even though the 54-year-old might be the most popular for Yellowstonehe is also responsible for six other Paramount shows. While viewers have personal favorites among his various projects, especially his award-winning flagship show Yellowstonethere are good reasons for this 1883 is Sheridan’s best show.

Related

Explaining the End of 1883 (and Preparing for Future Yellowstone Shows)

In the bittersweet ending of “1883,” the pioneers reach the end of their arduous journey, but the finale of the Yellowstone prequel spinoff has a deeper meaning.

Apart from establishing important historical details, 1883 stands out in a number of other aspects. As already mentioned, 1883 tells the story of the Duttons’ origins as they travel from Fort Worth, Texas to Oregon. Although the series only produced ten episodes, The plot was equally captivating and balancedwhich vividly highlights both the violence and lawlessness that characterized the Wild West and the harsh reality of life in the late 19th century.

Together with the gripping plot in 1883which increases the use in the Yellowstone Universe like never before, the performances in the show are another major reason why it stands out in Sheridan’s catalog. McGraw, Hill, Elliott and May all delivered outstanding performancesand notable cameos from veterans like Tom Hanks and Billy Bob Thornton make the show a staple of great Western television.

Source: Insider

1883

1883 is a western drama series set at the beginning of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone franchise, exploring the origins of the Duttons and the creation of Yellowstone. The series tells the story of a generation of the Dutton family as they embark on a difficult journey to the western frontier to build a new legacy.

Pour

Isabel May, Tim McGraw

Release date

19 December 2021

Seasons

1

Authors

Ron Burkle

Directors

Ron Burkle

Showrunner

Ron Burkle

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