Behind the Scenes of 1883: Expert Rating of the Show’s Western Accuracy Exposed!

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 they’re 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 didn’t 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 Sheridan’s Best Show To Date

The Show Was Bolstered By Noteworthy Performances

Elsa Dutton stands next to a burning wagon in 1883's premiere

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.

Related articles

Yellowstone: Jimmy’s return in Season 5 Part 2 confirmed with 6666 tease

Jimmy might have left the original Yellowstone crew earlier on in the show, but a behind-the-scenes look on the 6666 ranch proves he’ll be back. Last time…

Yellowstone Cast Previews ‘Perfect Ending’ To The Series

Taylor Sheridan has always known how Yellowstone would end. The “when” might’ve gotten a little confusing over the years, but the story of the Dutton family and…

SHOCKING NEWS!!! Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Season 5 Exit Isn’t That Bad Thanks To One Harsh Reality About John Dutton

revolved around John’s choices since it began. However, John is merely the head of the Dutton family, which will survive long after John is no longer around…

Yellowstone Season 5B Teaser Finds Beth Slamming [Spoiler] Into a Wall Before Keeping an Ominous P

**🎬Yellowstone Season 5B Teaser Finds Beth Slamming [Spoiler] Into a Wall Before Keeping an Ominous Promise 💥** The latest teaser for *Yellowstone* Season 5B is nothing short…

Kevin Costner’s Departure: What to Expect in Yellowstone Season 5’s Second Half

As *Yellowstone* enters the second half of its fifth season, the departure of Kevin Costner from his iconic role as John Dutton signals a major shift in…

BREAKING NEWS!!! Yellowstone 1883 Star Says She Was ‘Grossed Out’ By One of Taylor Sheridan’s Requests

Hill stopped this common hygiene habit that didn’t become popular until around 1915. Dedicated actors try to be as authentic as possible when taking on a role….