- Old West historian Michael Grauer highly rates 1883 for its accuracy.
- Grauer notes most people didn’t travel by covered wagon, but by train in 1883, as railroads were prevalent.
- Women played critical roles in 1883 society, highlighting the accuracy of the show’s portrayal.
A Western expert analyzes the historical accuracy of Taylor Sheridan’s western drama 1883. Released in late 2021,1883 serves as the first of a few spinoffs in Sheridan’s expansive Yellowstone franchise, and explores the origins of the Dutton family and how their famous ranch came to be. The show ran for only one season and features talented names like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, and Marc Rissmann.
In a video by Insider, cowboy and Old West historian Michael Grauer breaks down a few scenes in 1883, highlighting their historical accuracy. Watch the video below:
Grauer analyzes the mode of travel that was most common 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 1883, adding that it’s fairly precise with reality. Read his full quote below:
One of the great myths of the American west is that everyone got to where theyre going by covered wagon. Well, more than likely they got there by train. By 1883 of course there were railroads. Crossing from Texas up to Oregon and in this case these were German immigrants trying to get to Oregon.
Of course there were dangers everywhere, so that parts pretty accurate. Animal attacks were rare, rattlesnakes of course were across the west and that could happen. Disease was the primary killer on wagon trains and usually that had something to do with bad water.
Women were critical. Of course it a patriarchal society for the most part where women didnt become necessarily captains of wagon trains or anything like that but they also made it clear that if they were to be asked to do certain things, cooking, gathering of things, acting as nurse, that they ought to have a vote. I would give that scene a 7 or an 8.
1883 Is Arguably Sheridans Best Show To Date
The Show Was Bolstered By Noteworthy Performances
Sheridan currently stands as one of the most prominent television producers in the modern landscape. Even though the 54-year-old might be the most popular for Yellowstone, he’s also responsible for six other Paramount shows. While viewers have personal favorites among his different projects, especially his award-winning flagship show Yellowstone, there’s a case to be made that 1883 is Sheridan’s best show.
In 1883’s bittersweet ending, the pioneers reach the end of their arduous journey, but the Yellowstone prequel spinoff finale has deeper meaning.
Aside from nailing key historical details, 1883 excels in a number of other aspects. As mentioned previously, 1883 chronicles the origin of the Duttons, as they journey from Fort Worth, Texas, toward Oregon. Even though the show produced only ten episodes, the plot was equal parts compelling and measured, carefully highlighting the violence and lawlessness that characterized the Wild West as well as the harsh realities of late-19th-century life.
Along with the riveting plot in 1883, which raises the stakes in the Yellowstone universe like never before, the performances in the show are another major reason why it’s a standout in Sheridan’s catalog. McGraw, Hill, Elliott, and May all delivered exquisite performances, and noteworthy cameos from veterans like Tom Hanks and Billy Bob Thornton place the show in the canon of great Western television.
