1883 show journey map

What Route Did the Duttons Travel in 1883? Including Map

By: Author Anna Stanek

Posted on Last updated: 05/30/2023

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1883 tells the origin story of how the Dutton family arrived in Montana. The family has called the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch home for more than 100 years.

John and Margaret joined a European wagon train with their children Elsa and John in hopes to start a new life. The journey across the plains proved to be a challenging one, as the caravan faced many hardships along the way.

Like the Duttons, many real-life Americans made the journey out West on wagon trains, traveling treacherous routes in search of a new home. The most famous of these routes was the Oregon Trail, which spanned over 2,000 miles.

So, what route did the Dutton family travel in 1883 on their way out West?

The Duttons Route in 1883: From Tennessee to Texas to Montana

Originally, James, Margaret, Elsa, and John were from Tennessee. However, they experienced a life of poverty which led them to flee their home in Tennessee for a fresh start.

The Dutton family then traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to begin their journey to a new life. James is the first to arrive in his family in Texas. Shortly after Margaret, Elsa, and John arrive.

With a scary experience and outlaws running the streets of Fort Worth, James is eager to get his family out of Texas. He finds Pinkerton Agent Shea Brennan who is leading a European immigrant wagon train to Oregon.

James decides to join the wagon train with his family in order to give them a better life. Uncertain as to what his future will hold, he packs up his family and heads West.

The journey proves to be a challenging one, as the caravan faces smallpox scares, bandits, torrential weather, ambushes, and other hardships. The vast Great Plains prove to be a harsh environment that not everyone on the wagon train survives.

Below is a basic map of the route the Dutton family took from Texas to Montana in 1883:

Trinity River in Texas

After leaving Fort Worth, the wagon train journeys across the Trinity River in Texas. This is the location where they set up their first camp after beginning their expedition.

The caravan continues to move north alongside the river as they travel through Texas. In the fourth episode of 1883 , they finally cross the river which sadly results in many casualties.

Doan’s Crossing

After crossing the Trinity River, they continue their journey along eastern Texas. In episode six, the wagon train arrives at Doan’s Crossing (Modern day; Vernon, Texas) along the Texas-Oklahoma border.

The crossing consists of a small settlement nestled on the banks of the Red River. The wagon train then crosses the river, traveling through what is now Oklahoma. This area they travel through in episode seven was Commanche territory.

The next section of the Dutton family’s journey takes them through Colorado. The wagon train faces trying times as they survive a fierce storm and troublesome bandits.

Shea suggests to the immigrants that Denver, Colorado would be a good place to settle. However, James has his mind set on leading the group all the way to Oregon.

Fort Casper

Next on the journey, the Duttons travel through Wyoming where they cross Lakota territory. While in Wyoming, the caravan faces grave injuries as Elsa as well as immigrant couple Josef and Risa are in dire need of medical help.

The caravan makes the decision to travel to Fort Casper in order to get the travelers the medical assistance they need. However, upon arriving at the fort they learn that it has been abandoned by the military.

Elsa was shot in the liver by a dirty arrow and while she survived the initial injury the wound then became infected. The doctor at the fort is unable to help Elsa and it becomes clear to her parents she won’t survive the journey to Oregon. The family then makes the decision to head to Montana.

Paradise Valley, Montana

Knowing that she doesn’t have long to live, Elsa asks to choose the place she is buried. Upon the advice from a Crow leader the family met in Montana, she chooses Paradise Valley as her final resting spot.

After burying their daughter, James and Margaret decide to stay in Montana. They establish the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch on the land where Elsa is buried. Meanwhile, the rest of the wagon train finishes the journey to Oregon.

Also read: Where is 1883 Filmed? All Filming Locations

What Route Did the Oregon Trail Follow?

The Oregon Trail was a 2,170-mile-long wagon trail used by pioneers throughout the 1800s. The route connected the Missouri River to the valleys of Oregon, spanning across Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

After making their way from Texas, the wagon train sets to follow the Oregon Trail. However, Elsa’s injury and then death leads the Duttons on another path to Montana.

For the rest of the European immigrant train, they followed the Oregon Trail after Fort Casper. While some chose to stay with Shea and winter in Montana before finishing the journey, others headed straight to Oregon.

Elsa’s death proved to be fundamental in the storyline of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. If she didn’t die, the Duttons would have continued their journey to Oregon and not settled in Montana.

In 1883, What Route Had Been Taken by Duttons?

‘ 1883 ‘ is a brutal Western drama series that takes place before the events of ‘ Yellowstone .’ While viewers of the latter show are familiar with the Dutton family’s dynasty that is the Yellowstone Ranch, the prequel tells the storey of how it came to be.

In ‘1883,’ James Dillard Dutton, a first-generation Dutton rancher, and his family, which includes wife Margaret and children Elsa and John, travel across the Great Plains in quest of a place to call home.

The Duttons’ journey north is fraught with risks and challenges. Here’s everything you need to know about the Duttons’ itinerary and how it leads to their ultimate destination, the area that would later become the Yellowstone Ranch.

Must Read: Is Paramount TV Series ‘1883’, The Prequel to ‘Yellowstone,’ A True Story?

The duttons’ route in 1883 on a map.

James Dillard Dutton lands in Fort Worth, Texas in the first episode of ‘1883.’ Later, his family meets him in town, where they have their first terrifying event, which will be the first of many in the days ahead.

James wants to relocate his family away from the destitute and outlaw streets of Texas. As a result, he joins Shea Brennan , a former Civil War veteran and Pinkerton agent who is leading a party of emigrants over the Great Plains on the Oregon Trail.

The Duttons are originally from Tennessee, we learn later.

The Duttons left Fort Worth and set up camp on the banks of the Trinity River in Texas with Shea’s caravan. The party progressively progresses north along the river basin across Texas in the following episodes.

In the fourth episode , they cross the river, and the caravan suffers countless casualties as a result.

In the sixth episode , the Duttons continue their journey from the eastern border of Texas to Doan’s Crossing. On the banks of the Red River , Doan’s Crossing is a small town on the Texas-Oklahoma border.

The Duttons and their companions make their way across the Red River and into Texas. They walk through a Comanche-controlled Native American region in the eighth episode.

Must See: 1883 Season 2 Release Date, Cast Details

This area of land lies between Colorado and Texas and is currently part of Oklahoma. As they cross through Colorado, the party survives a storm and a run-in with the bandits, with Shea advising the immigrants to settle in Denver.

James, on the other hand, decides to take the group all the way to Oregon. The caravan and the Duttons are near to crossing Colorado and reaching Wyoming by the eighth episode.

They are up against the Lakota, a Native American tribe with a long history in the state. The company is on their way to Fort Caspar, a military installation in Wyoming, indicating that they have arrived in (or are close) Wyoming and are nearing the end of their voyage.

Despite the fact that Montana is to the north of Wyoming, the group’s end objective is still Oregon. With Elsa’s recent accident, it appears that the Duttons’ strategy will be altered.

Elsa is on the verge of passing away, and James determines to locate land on which the family can bury her.

He also pledges that the land will become the family’s new home. As a result, all clues point to Elsa’s death , which prompted the Duttons to relocate to Montana.

The Duttons set out to follow the Oregon Trail , but they wind up taking a few detours that take them on a different path.

Recommended:  ‘1883’ To ‘Yellowstone’: Dutton Family Tree Explained

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Where was 1883 filmed? Guide to ALL the Filming Locations of the Yellowstone spin-off

1883 Filming Locations

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Where Does 1883 Fit Into The Yellowstone Timeline?

One of the most engaging aspects of Paramount Network's hit drama series "Yellowstone" is the way it manages to evoke classic elements of the western, despite being set in the modern-day. The series follows the fictional Dutton family as they fight to hold onto the titular Yellowstone ranch, with enemies on every side trying to take control of their land.

It's a premise that would be right at home in a classical western, and the connections to that storied genre don't stop there. The powerful performance of Kevin Costner as John Dutton (patriarch of the Dutton family and the leader of Yellowstone ranch) evokes the old cowboy trope of a "man-out-of-time," struggling to let go of the frontier as the world continues to evolve around him.

All told, it's a fantastic reimagining of the western in a contemporary setting, and it seems clear that the showrunners understand how important that connection is. "Yellowstone" just got its first spin-off in the form of the recently released prequel series "Y: 1883," which brings the story back to its roots in the old west.

1883 brings Yellowstone back to the Wild West

"1883" takes audiences back to the start of the Dutton dynasty as we know it. The series follows the first generation of Duttons to come west and tells the story of how they first came to own the Yellowstone ranch.

The series takes place around 125 years before "Yellowstone," and revolves around the bloody history of the Dutton family as they take on the Wild West in all its lawless glory. We follow the Duttons from the Great Plains into Montana to stake their claim for what would go on to be the latest ranch in Big Sky Country (via Esquire) . On top of their battle for the ranch, the series promises to explain exactly who the Duttons were before they fled to the west in search of fortune.

"1883" presents the Duttons at the start of their journey to build an empire. The fact that the show is set so far in the past allows the spinoff to fully explore the classical Western setting that the franchise has so expertly adapted in "Yellowstone."

The first two episodes of "1883" are now available to stream on Paramount+ .

1883 Review: Journey Northwest With The Ancestors Of Yellowstone

The Paramount+ series 1883 premieres its first two episodes today and I got a chance to see them in advance. I've also seen the third one, and let me tell you, folks, I'm absolutely hooked. Here is the official info for the show:

Created by Academy Award Nominee Taylor Sheridan, "1883" is the highly anticipated prequel to the Emmy nominated series "Yellowstone." Premiering December 19th on Paramount+, the original series stars Academy Award nominee legend Sam Elliott, Grammy Award Winner Tim McGraw, Grammy Award Winner Faith Hill, Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton, Isabel May and LaMonica Garrett. "1883" follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America's promised land – Montana. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, "1883" is executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.

Setting the Scene

Right off the bat, I want to tell you that you do not have to watch "Yellowstone" to get everything about "1883 ." Though it is connected (and little Audie Rick, who is just the cutest, plays John Dutton Sr.), you don't have to know a single thing about any of the characters or the locations. We're starting off in Texas and heading to Montana, and that's all you need to know. 

The show starts off (and there are very mild spoilers here, but mostly things you'll see in the trailer) with a rough scene in which some of the settlers, including Elsa Dutton (relative newcomer Isabel May), are attacked by a group of Native American fighters. It's dark, but what you take away from it is Elsa's absolute determination to fight for everything she loves. The next scene has what can only be described as an acting tour de force by the beloved Sam Elliott's character, Shea Brennan. I won't tell you what happens, but if you think you loved him before, you'd better prepare yourself. The Elsa scene is a flashforward, and the Shea scene is a flashback. 

We have a full character guide for you from the "1883" actors themselves, but let me lay it out for you. Shea is a veteran of the Civil War, and he's been through absolute hell. He's got severe PTSD, something no one had a name for back then. He and LaMonica Garrett's Thomas (a former Buffalo Soldier who served with Shea) are now Pinkerton agents who are hired to accompany a wagon train Northwest to find new places to settle. 

'That's No Man's Land and That's Where We're Heading'

The wagon train's group includes Tim McGraw's James Dutton, his wife Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), his daughter Elsa, son John, hired cowboys including Eric Nelsen's Ennis, and a group of Austrian/German immigrants who don't yet have the skills to survive. Among their number are some of the Roma people, who are dealing with prejudice from their fellow immigrants. This is a rough land, and "1883" really makes that clear. From having the group inspected naked for smallpox, to an attempted assault, to bandits and sudden deaths, a journey like this can break you, and it often did. One moment stands out, when a couple in the group is discovered with smallpox sores and told to go lie down by a river and die. No one has time or energy for compassion. And yet...

What's so beautiful about "1883" so far is, despite the harsh life these travelers are leading, there are relationships that are quite beautiful. James has taken his family on this trip because things are rough in the South. He fought at the Battle of Antietam , and it all but broke him. (Just a note: that link has a spoiler for a guest star, so only look if you want to know who it is.) He wants a better life, and unlike many stories like this that we've seen in the past, his family is absolutely on board. (His immediate family, anyway.) 

That relationship I mentioned? It's so lovely. We're seeing a loving and all but equal marriage with James and Margaret. They support each other. Margaret is a powerhouse. She doesn't resent being here, outside of cities and civilization. She's absolutely on board. Even more surprising, though is the relationship between James and his daughter, Elsa. 

Daddy's Girl In the Best Way

The picture above says it all. James is proud of Elsa. He relies on her. He doesn't flinch when someone he might not have approved of before they left wants to court her. (That character completely defied my expectations. I won't say who it is or how, but you'll know when you see it.) He knows she can ride and shoot, and he believes in her. So does her mother. It's not something you see in period pieces, and it's even rare in modern ones. He knows her worth and so does she. 

Those conditions were rough, and not just for men. In fact, the cast had to go to Cowboy Camp . All of them. I'm reminded, as I often am, of the quote from Ginger Rogers where she says she did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in heels. A lot of the rules for women from polite society go out the window when what you're trying to do is survive. Yet women face dangers that the men often don't. I'm sure I don't need to spell that out for you. 

A word about Isabel May. She absolutely shines in "1883." Elsa is probably our most modern character in the series. She is absolutely undeterred by the hardships of travel. She breathes in joy with every mile they pass. I think watching that family, and in particular Elsa, is what keeps this from being too dark. Through her eyes, you understand what sort of person settled the West of America, and it comes through authentically. I cannot wait to see what she does next. 

A Friendship for the Ages

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are phenomenal here, giving nuanced performances when it would be easy to get away with stock characters. I'm sure Taylor Sheridan's writing and direction were a huge part of that, but they are both a joy to watch. Sam Elliott — do I have to tell you how powerful his performances are? Shea's relationship with Thomas is one of deep understanding, and the ability to know what they other one is thinking. I'm putting a quote in here from my press junket interview with Elliott, because he sums it up better than I ever could:

"Well, number one, it's one of my favorite relationships in the show. I love LaMonica. We've become very close in a very short period of time. Maybe a long period, but it's a short period ... In terms of the backstory, the one common thing, right off the top, that they have is the fact that they're both veterans of the Civil War and what that brings. I think that Thomas's character dealt with that reality a lot better than Shea did. Shea's pretty tormented about it. I think his PTSD is a little more serious, I think, than what Thomas carries. And a lot of that probably ... there's reference to slavery or the treatment that Black people had in those days. Maybe not slavery directly, but there's mention of it, in some of the dialogue that Thomas and I have throughout this thing."

LaMonica Garrett gives a beautifully understated performance as Thomas. This is a character that I'm dying to learn more about. We're only really starting to get stories about Black cowboys, and it's powerful to watch. His interaction with Shea and the kindness he shows to the wagon train, even when he has to be harsh, is intriguing.

'The Road West was Paved with Blood'

A few things to watch for here include the adorable performance from little Audie Rick, who came to the red carpet in a pinstriped suit and shiny shoes. He's got a great scene in the third episode, and that's all I'll say. Another is the plight of immigrants moving West. This isn't a story I've heard a lot. Most of the immigrant stories from that time period are centered in New York City, or somewhere on the East coast. It's something that should be talked about, particularly these days, as many try to vilify the people who built this country, even though they weren't born here. I do want to warn you that there are a few upsetting moments, particularly in the first and second episodes, so if you're trying to avoid scenes of attempted assault and depression that has reached its zenith, you might want to read a recap before you watch.

That said, I am absolutely blown away by what Taylor Sheridan and his cast and crew have given us here. "1883" is a must-watch.

"1883" premieres Sunday, December 19, 2021 on Paramount+.

The Dutton family braves the Great Plains.

Embarking on a journey west to flee poverty, James Dutton and his family arrive in Texas as they make their way through The Great Plains in search of a new home and the promise of opportunity.

S1 E2 Behind Us, a Cliff

Thomas and Shea recruit James and some local cowboys to corral a herd of cattle, and as the caravan begins its journey, they encounter some of the many dangers they'll face along the way.

S1 E3 River

James butts heads with Shea and Thomas about an important decision, tensions rise in camp when an accusation is made, and Elsa begins a flirtation with a cowboy.

S1 E4 The Crossing

The group faces the harrowing task of crossing the river with their wagons and supplies, and Thomas and Noemi grow closer.

S1 E5 The Fangs of Freedom

Shea and Thomas cope with the aftermath of the river crossing, but there is little time to grieve and no shortage of challenges ahead, and Elsa and Ennis share a romantic moment.

S1 E6 Boring the Devil

Shea helps Elsa cope with her loss, the group crosses another river and prepares to enter Native American territory, and Thomas buys Noemi a gift.

S1 E7 Lightning Yellow Hair

Elsa makes an unlikely friend, the group faces a harrowing challenge from mother nature, and the camp searches for one of their own.

S1 E8 The Weep of Surrender

As winter looms, Shea faces doubts and argues with James about the best way forward, and Elsa makes a bold, beautiful decision that changes her forever.

S1 E9 Racing Clouds

A misunderstanding leads to a battle with serious consequences.

S1 E10 This Is Not Your Heaven

James and Margaret face a heavy decision while Shea and Thomas take bold action to help one of their own.

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Everything to Know About the 'Yellowstone' Prequel '1883'

The Paramount+ series starring Faith Hill and Tim McGraw tells the origin story of Yellowstone 's prosperous Dutton family

Corralling all Yellowstone fans, because the beloved neo-Western has a prequel series titled 1883 , which premiered Dec. 19, 2021, on Paramount+.

Telling the origin story of the Dutton family , 1883 follows their 19th-century ancestors James and Margaret Dutton as they embark on their wild journey from Texas to Montana through the Great Plains. You can see lawless lands, bloody gunfights, danger and dust (lots of it) in the trailer alone.

"My family's meeting me here tonight and we're heading north, and we'll keep heading north till I find a country that's worth the journey," James says in the clip .

James and Margaret Dutton may be a fictional couple on the series, but they're played by real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill , respectively. The Grammy award-winning artists are no strangers to the country scene, and now they've taken their talents from the stage to the screen.

Hill and McGraw have been married for over two decades, but 1883 marked the first time they appeared on-screen as husband and wife . McGraw told PEOPLE, "It's been incredible to do scenes together and to watch [Hill] work."

Although they made a point to keep their real marriage separate from their characters on the show, McGraw joked that there is some crossover.

"We had this scene where she has to slap me," he explained to PEOPLE. "I was expecting a finger slap but it was a paw to the jaw. There was 25 years of pent-up aggression going on!"

Taylor Sheridan is the creator of 1883 — but it wasn't his first rodeo! Sheridan was the co-creator of Yellowstone alongside John Linson. Similar to Yellowstone , in 1883 , Sheridan strived to portray the authenticity of the settings. (He also works as a cattle ranch owner in Weatherford, Texas — so he's the real deal!)

"I don't build a world with visual effects," Sheridan told Entertainment Weekly . "I go shoot these corners of the world that people haven't seen. ... It's incredibly expensive and very difficult. But we can do it as John Ford did it. When you need 50 wagons, you're going to see 50 [real] wagons."

We can't help but tip our hats to the cast and crew for enduring the conditions they were faced with while filming — something that McGraw described to EW as "super dusty and super hot."

"Although it looks amazing, it's terrible. I think I have a few ribs floating around in my body," Hill told the outlet. She added about the experience, "You learn how to pick a tree, squat down, and do your business."

Here's everything you need to know about the Paramount+ series.

What is 1883 about?

1883 follows the Duttons' great-grandparents, James and Margaret Dutton, as they journey from Texas to Montana in search of a better life. It's a stark retelling of Western expansion as the family attempts to flee the poverty-stricken lives they once lived.

The series serves as a prequel to Yellowstone and sets the scene for the prosperous yet dysfunctional family, including Kevin Costner 's tough patriarch John Dutton, at the heart of the show set in the present day.

Who's in the cast of 1883 ?

In addition to McGraw and Hill , the series is stacked with a star-studded cast. Sam Elliot plays tough cowboy Shea Brennan, and four-time Emmy winner Eric Nelsen plays cowboy Ennis.

The cast also includes Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Audie Rick, Emma Malouff, Dawn Olivieri, Marc Rissmann, Anna Fiamora, James Landry Hébert, Alex Fine, Gratiela Brancusi, Nichole Galicia, Stephanie Nur, Amanda Jaros, Noah Le Gros and Martin Sensmeier.

The cast members grew close to one other during production, and have even learned a few things along the way. For example, Garrett revealed that his castmate McGraw was always singing on set — and came up with songs based on his surroundings.

"He'll sing, 'the horse is angry today' in a jingle," Garrett explained to PEOPLE at the 1883 premiere . "You know, he's a singer and that's what singers do, they sing about their own stuff and everything else."

How did the cast prepare for 1883 ?

The cast was required to attend Cowboy Camp ahead of production, which taught them everything there is to know about cowboy culture.

Nelsen told PEOPLE , "I thought I had skills and I got there and [ 1883 creator Taylor Sheridan] told me what I didn't have. There was still so much to learn. So I kind of just kept to myself and just learned from the best."

The actor grew up around horses and felt confident about the portrayal of his character prior to camp, but he explained that the experience humbled him.

"I had never ridden at the capacity and the intensity that I have on this show," he added. "So I think it brought my level of cowboy from five to about a 20."

Are there guest stars on 1883 ?

Billy Bob Thornton played Marshal Jim Courtright, a strict officer who "isn't afraid to get his hands dirty," per the network's official description.

The actor, who doubles as a musician, told PEOPLE that he tries to find a balance between TV, movies and music .

"I think I'll probably try to strike a balance," he said. "I mean, you know, if you can do one each, each year, if I can make a record and go on tour, if I can make one movie and one TV thing, that that seems pretty good, you know? ... And I've got kids to take care of, so you know, why not?"

Tom Hanks also made an appearance on the show. In episode two, the two-time Oscar winner played "a sympathetic, three-star general, inspired by General George Meade," according to Deadline .

Where can you watch 1883 ?

Unlike Yellowstone , the entirety of 1883 did not air on the Paramount Network. Only the first two episodes aired on the channel, following the Dec. 19 and Dec. 26 episodes of Yellowstone . That way, fans got a taste of the show before committing to the network's streaming platform, Paramount+ (where the rest of the series ran).

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‘1883’ Ending Explained: What Becomes Of The Pioneers?

Where to stream:, shop 'yellowstone' merch and gifts to give diehard fans in 2024, paramount+ black friday deal 2023: sign up now for under $2 per month, stream it or skip it: ‘lawmen: bass reeves’ on paramount+, a taylor sheridan-adjacent western series with david oyelowo as a valiant us marshal , 'yellowstone' finally announces season 5 return date, reveals two more spinoffs forthcoming.

After 10 gripping episodes, the first installment of 1883 has finally reached its conclusion. From Tennessee to Fort Worth, TX, the Duttons’ perilous journey to the beginning of the Oregon trail was filled with danger and death ( RIP Aunt Claire! ), but luckily, their path crossed with that of Captain Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) and fellow Pinkerton agent Thomas (LaMonica Garrett) just when they were looking to add some able bodies to their wagon party of immigrants. Led reluctantly by the English-speaking Josef (Marc Rissmann), the settlers were not prepared for the arduous trek north to free land in Oregon—they needed a lot of help to survive.

From a small pox scare to violent encounters with thieves to dangerous river crossings to tornados, these intrepid pioneers endured numerous perils and much suffering, but they cannot not be deterred from continuing their journey to freedom. The Duttons likewise remain steadfast in their quest to find the perfect place to start a new life in Oregon. However, after Elsa (Isabel May) gets wounded in a confrontation with a Lakota war party in Wyoming, everything changes. As James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret (Faith Hill) try urgently to get their only daughter medical attention, they are also preparing themselves for the worst possible outcome. As fate would have it, the devastated parents bury Elsa in Montana and settle there so that she may always be with them.

The conclusion of 1883 is complicated and, at times, confusing. Sheridan incorporates fantasy sequences, dreamy narration, and more of his trademark techniques to resolve a number of story lines in quick succession in both heart wrenching and hopeful ways. If you were puzzled about the fates of the various characters, you are not alone. Read on to find out Decider’s take on some of key questions viewers took away from Episode 10 .

DOES ELSA DIE?  1883 ‘S ENDING, EXPLAINED

Unfortunately, the flash-forward in the 1883 premiere episode was not a dream or a hallucination. In Episode 9 , we see Elsa fatally wounded by an arrow while defending the settlers from an attack by Lakota warriors who mistakenly believe that the wagon party killed their families. As we’re told by both Major Hemphill (Raphael Sbarge) at Fort Caspar and Spotted Eagle (Graham Greene) in Montana, Elsa’s liver was pierced. An infection led to sepsis which was fatal on the frontier. There was nothing to be done, and Elsa, after putting up a tremendous fight, dies peacefully in her father’s arms, knowing that she will be buried in the beautiful place that she has chosen.

DO THE DUTTONS MAKE IT TO MONTANA?

With the help of Shea, Thomas, and Noemi (Gratiela Brancusi), the Duttons do make it to Montana while Elsa is still alive. They encounter a friendly Crow tribe led by Spotted Eagle who offer help and make Elsa’s last few days as comfortable as possible. When James tells Spotted Eagle that they must find a place to settle so they can bury Elsa, the wise chief tells him to go to Paradise Valley. Spotted Eagle assures James that in this valley “a man who plans can thrive.” He adds, “you look like a man who plans.”

Spotted Eagle does issue a warning about Paradise Valley that the Dutton family of Taylor Sheridan’s modern Western Yellowstone should heed: “In 7 generations, my people will rise up and take it back from you.” Relieved and thankful, James tells him, “7 generations, you can have it.” Soon afterwards, Elsa and James arrive at the site of the future Yellowstone ranch before she takes her last breath.

DO THE PIONEERS EVER MAKE IT TO OREGON?

The ones we care about do! After the Duttons make the choice to head North on the Bozeman trail and away from Oregon, Shea decides the best course of action for the wagon party is to follow them, winter in Montana and then head to Oregon in the Spring, successfully avoiding the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association whose men could be pursuing them. One man accuses Shea of not keeping his promise to get them to Oregon, to which Shea responses: “I’m keeping my promise. I just changed the way I’m keeping it.”

With Josef incapacitated due to a snake bite, the pioneers revolt against Shea and decide to continue on the Oregon trail without their guides or cattle. It is an unwise decision, and their fates are revealed through Elsa’s voiceover narration. They are murdered by a band of thieves even before they can make it out of Wyoming.

Luckily, Noemi chooses to drive Josef and his wagon north with Thomas and her two boys to winter in Montana before heading to Oregon in the spring. The group saves Josef by amputating his snake-bitten leg, but his wife Risa (Anna Fiamora) succumbs to a head injury she sustained while getting thrown from a horse in Episode 9 . In a flash-forward to the Spring, we see that Josef is alive and working his new piece of free land in Oregon while Thomas, Noemi, and her two sons settle nearby in the Willamette Valley. Shea also makes it to Oregon and heads to the coast to see the ocean to fulfill his dead wife’s dream. He then kills himself to be reunited with her and their daughter in heaven.

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Episode list

S1.E1 ∙ 1883

S1.E2 ∙ Behind Us, a Cliff

S1.E3 ∙ River

S1.E4 ∙ The Crossing

S1.E5 ∙ The Fangs of Freedom

S1.E6 ∙ Boring the Devil

S1.E7 ∙ Lightning Yellow Hair

S1.E8 ∙ The Weep of Surrender

S1.E9 ∙ Racing Clouds

S1.E10 ∙ This Is Not Your Heaven

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Screen Rant

1883 true story & every real life character explained.

1883's story is entirely fictional. That being said, the series is rooted in social realities and people that lived in the late 19th century.

1883 is a gritty deep dive into the lives of those who lived during the peak of the Westward Expansion of America in the late 19th century. The events and cast of characters in 1883 echo the harsh realities of this era in history. Set amid the beauty of the wild and unspoiled American frontier, 1883 unravels the very beginnings of Yellowstone 's Dutton Ranch.

The story starts in Fort Worth, Texas, from which a group of German immigrants and a family from Tennessee seek out a better life and head north to the promised land of Montana. The caravan is composed mostly of people with zero to little experience surviving in the frontier, making the group vulnerable to the dangers of the wild west. However, it is led by former soldiers who are determined to protect the caravan during the perilous journey.

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1883 , a prequel spinoff of the neo-Western drama Yellowstone , isn't based on real events – much like the original show. That being said, its portrayal of the frontier in the late 19th century is based on established historical facts. Here's a breakdown of everything that 1883 borrows from American history.

1883's Real History Explained

In 1803, the American government acquired almost the entire landmass of modern central United States from Napoleonic France through a treaty known as the Louisiana Purchase. However, as France actually controlled just small areas of the landmass in question, what the U.S. government actually bought was the right to “obtain” large swathes of Native American land through any means – without interference from the French or other colonial powers. This led to a lawless era, pervaded by frequent skirmishes between the Native Americans and the American families, war veterans, homesteaders, criminals, and many others who sought their fortune in new lands. At the time, diseases like smallpox and cholera were practically death sentences, as modern science didn't yet offer any viable treatments for those unfortunate enough to contract these conditions.

By the 1880s, the American Westward Expansion was at its peak. To the north of the landmass that America claimed through the Louisiana Purchase lies Montana, seen by many as a promised land, in which they could settle away from the violence and turmoil that pervaded the rest of the country. This includes those who were part of the German emigration to America, which began in the late 1600s. As German immigrants escaping war and prosecution in Europe saw greater promise in the American frontier, despite the dangers involved, the German emigration continued on until the late 1800s. 1883 uses this historically accurate setting to flesh out the very roots of Yellowstone 's Dutton Ranch.

1883 Characters Based On Real Life People

1883's character backgrounds are also based on historical facts from this era. Thomas (LaMonica Garrett) and Shea Brennan (Sam Elliot), for instance, are former members of the predominantly African-American cavalry and infantry regiments in the U.S. Army that were formed in the late 19th century – more popularly known by the nickname given to them by Native American tribes: Buffalo Soldiers. As Shea was Thomas' captain in their regiment, they've established a close and unbreakable bond. Meanwhile, the German emigration to the U.S. serves as the historical foundation for the backgrounds of Josef (Marc Rissman) and his fellow immigrants, who struck a deal with Shea and Thomas to protect them in their journey. Such deals were common during the American Westward Expansion, as the lawless frontier gave plenty of opportunities for mercenaries to make money by escorting travelers. As for the family of James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), they represent the beginnings of the cutthroat modern ranching business, as depicted in Yellowstone season 4 .

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While 1883 's main characters are very loosely based on history, some of its side characters are actually fictionalized versions of real people that lived during the late 19th century. For instance, Marshall Jim Courtright (Billy Bob Thornton) is directly based on Timothy Isaiah Courtright, also known as Jim Courtright or “Longhair Jim.” Courtright served as the sherriff of Fort Worth from 1876 to 1879, and was killed in a shootout in 1887. True to the person on which he is based, Thornton's Marshall Jim Courtright ends up helping protect the caravan from some outlaws in 1883 . Meanwhile, another notable side character is General George Meade (Tom Hanks) , who is based on a U.S. Army officer of the same name. Apart from participating in the Second Seminole War and the Mexican-American War, Meade also played a crucial role in the Battle of Gettysburg as well as the Battle of Antietam. Through these fictionalized versions of real pioneers, events, and sociopolitical situations from the Westward Expansion, 1883 succeeds at crafting an accurate reflection of American history – in stark contrast to the more common, idealized, and rose-colored stories of the American frontier.

How 1883 Establishes The Setting For Yellowstone

John Dutton Sr. (Audie Rick), James and Margaret's young son, is the grandfather of Yellowstone 's John Dutton (Kevin Costner). Meanwhile, Elsa (Isabel May), who also serves as the narrator in 1883, is John Dutton's great aunt. At the start of 1883 , the Duttons are nowhere near establishing the homestead that would eventually grow into the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S. – the Dutton Ranch in Montana. Much like how Yellowstone 's Dutton Ranch provides a realistic look into the cutthroat modern ranching business, the Dutton family's journey in 1883 offers an in-depth perspective into the foundations of this industry.

1883 And The Evolution Of Western Drama

1883 is part of a recent resurgence in Western and neo-Western themes in modern entertainment. While other notable modern Westerns like The Power of the Dog and The Harder They Fall seek to respectively reverse the erasure of queer and Black history in the American frontier, 1883 offers an equally unfiltered look into the often idealized experiences of pioneers from the late 19th century. By dramatizing history, 1883 makes essential historical truths more accessible to wider audiences.

More: How To Watch 1883 Online - Is It Streaming On Paramount+ Or Peacock?

1883 releases new episodes Sundays only on Paramount+.

1883 Episode 6 Recap and Ending, Explained

The sixth episode of ‘ 1883 ‘ sees the caravan led by Shea Brennan arriving at Doan’s Crossing, the last haven before the group ventures outside Texas. Following the tragic death of her lover , Elsa beings to contemplate the meaning and futility of life. While Elsa’s spirits are broken down, Shea uses his wisdom to guide the young woman past the river of her sorrows. Naturally, viewers must be wondering whether Elsa recovers from the loss of Ennis and what challenges the caravan faces in Doan’s Crossing. Here’s an answer to all your questions regarding the ending of ‘1883’ episode 3! SPOILERS AHEAD!

1883 Episode 6 Recap

Episode 6, titled ‘Boring The Devil,’ opens with the wagon camp arriving at Doan’s Crossing . The settlement resides on the edge of the Texas border, and beyond it lies the Indian territory. Therefore, the group must gather all the necessary resources from Doan’s Crossing. Elsa is grieving the loss of Ennis and contemplates suicide. Shea talks to the young woman and reminds her that a part of Ennis resides within her. The best way to honor Ennis’ memory is for Elsa to continue exploring life. Thus, Elsa refrains from shooting herself.

Later, Margaret and Elsa head out to the market, and Elsa confronts a local man. She threatens to shoot him until James intervenes. Elsa returns to take care of the herd and meets Colton, a young cowboy hired by Shea to be Ennis’ replacement. Elsa acts cold towards Colton and refuses to introduce herself. At the market, Margaret meets a local shopkeeper named Carolyn, and the two share a few drinks. James and Shea study the nearby river and formulate a plan for crossing it.

Elsewhere, Thomas tries to hire a cook and must put up with the latter’s numerous demands. Thomas reluctantly agrees, and the caravan finally has a cook. Later, Thomas buys Noemi a gift, and the two sleep together for the first time after confessing their feelings for each other. While returning to the camp, a drunk Margaret expresses her regrets to James. The following day, the campers must prepare for another difficult river crossing.

1883 Episode 6 Ending: Does Elsa Overcome Her Grief?

The episode mainly focuses on Elsa dealing with the complicated feelings brimming inside her heart after the death of her lover, Ennis. Elsa’s situation is understandable as this is the first time she has lost someone dear to her. She is facing the cruel realities of the world and needs to figure out some answers by herself. Shea provides some thoughtful insights to Elsa that help her overcome a part of her grief over Ennis’ death. While Shea’s words are powerful, they only stop Elsa from wallowing in pain on the outside. While she returns to her duties with the herd, Elsa is still hurting on the inside. This leads Elsa on a self-destructive path, which is evident when she tries to stir up conflict in the market for no reason.

James recognizes that Elsa is not only hurting from Ennis’ death but also from killing the bandit who shot Ennis. Elsa shot the man in cold blood three times, and such an act is bound to have some psychological effect on her. By revealing his time in the army, James builds a bridge for Elsa to overcome her guilt for killing the bandit and being the cause of Ennis’ death. In the end, Elsa makes peace with Ennis’ death. In the episode’s final moments, she introduces herself to Colton and is back to being her usual cheerful self. She thanks Shea for helping her and prepares to cross the river, thereby beginning a new chapter in her life.

Does Margaret Forgive James?

In the episode, Margaret finally finds an outlet for her emotions after having a few drinks with Carolyn. In her inebriated state, Margaret finally musters the courage to reveal how she truly feels about the life on the road that her husband has chosen for their family. Margaret laments that she is constantly forced to travel and cannot make acquaintance with any new people. Moreover, she is angry that James promised her a paradisical life, but all they have experienced on the road are hardships. From Margaret’s words, it is clear that she craves stability in life, and one cannot find that in the American West . Therefore, she is angry at James.

However, when the campers prepare to cross the river, James insists that he should drive the wagon while Margaret crosses the river on a horse. The couple argues again, but James reminds Margaret that he cannot lose her. James’ admission is enough for Margaret to forgive him. The quarrel between the couple underlines the mutual understanding and respect on which their relationship is built. With such a solid foundation to their marriage, it is hard to imagine anything stopping the Duttons from achieving their ideal life.

Read More: 1883 Episode 5 Recap and Ending, Explained

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Where Is '1883' Filmed? Check Out the 'Yellowstone' Prequel's Filming Locations

Paramount Network's 1883 was filmed in various locations across Texas and Montana.

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Yellowstone 's gripping new origin story follows the earliest-known Duttons on their dangerous journey west "through the last bastion of untamed America." The Paramount Network drama is set in the late 1800s, when John's great-grandfather, James Dutton (Tim McGraw), first decided to take his family across The Great Plains in search of a new home and better opportunities. Much like Yellowstone , much of 1883 is filmed on location—and the authenticity shines through in every scene.

"That’s one of the great things about this project. We're on a lot of the land that the Oregon Trail was either on it or very close to it," 1883 star Sam Elliott explained in a recent interview . "You can’t tell a tale like this, about the American West–mythic or not—you can’t tell a tale like this without being on the land."

With the land acting as a main character, 1883 's filming locations follow the story all the way from Texas to Montana. Read on to find out more about exactly where 1883 was filmed!

What city does 1883 start in?

The Dutton's journey across the country began in the Wild West—so that's exactly where the 1883 cast and crew went to film first.

“We started out in Fort Worth, Texas, where it was 106,107, and 108 degrees. Couldn’t get away from the heat or the sun," Sam recalls.

Many of the Fort Worth scenes in 1883 were filmed in the neighborhood around West Exchange Avenue and North Houston Street, which was converted to match the setting of the show. According to Dallas local news station WFAA , one of the local restaurants will actually keep the rustic makeover it got before filming began. Head over to Hooker's Grill if you want to experience the set of 1883 in real life!

Where was the rest of 1883 filmed?

Most of the early episodes of 1883 were filmed in a variety of locations across Texas. Production was based out of Weatherford, where Yellowstone and 1883 creator Taylor Sheridan currently lives. The city is also home to Bosque Ranch Headquarters , a real-life ranch and media production facility that served as the show's primary on-set filming location.

The show was also filmed in Granbury, Amarillo, and Guthrie, Texas, with a few scenes shot at the famed 6666 Ranch . As the Dutton family's journey west continued, the cast and crew moved production to a place Yellowstone fans are a bit more familiar with: Montana.

"We went from [Texas] to Montana and worked in temperatures that went down into the teens with the wind and the chill factor," Sam recalled. "So, it’s been an interesting mix of weather along the way."

There, 1883 filmed in Livingston, Clyde Park, and Paradise Valley. It's likely that production of future seasons will continue in Montana, following suit with Yellowstone . Of course, 1883 season 2 has not yet been confirmed—but we have our fingers crossed!

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