Yellowstone Creator Taylor Sheridan on the History That Inspired 1883

The Jogan Experience: Uncovering the Raw Reality of 1883

Welcome to the Jogan Experience, where history meets drama! Let’s delve into the jaw-dropping, real-life story of 1883, where truth is stranger than fiction. The hardships faced by those who ventured westward were not merely dramatic embellishments—they were the gritty, unvarnished reality.

A Multitude of Voices, None Speaking English

Imagine setting off on an arduous journey, unable to communicate in the language of the land. Approximately 40% of the immigrants who embarked on the treacherous trek across America didn’t speak English. The government, in desperate need of manpower post-Civil War, enticed Central and Eastern Europeans with promises of free land. Deceptive pamphlets flooded countries like Romania, Norway, Ireland, and Germany, beckoning people with dreams of a new life.

The Harsh Realities and Unforeseen Dangers

These settlers arrived with little knowledge of the land or its dangers. Many came from places where swimming was prohibited, rendering them helpless in rivers. They were lured by promises of prosperity but faced deadly realities, including confrontations with Native American tribes like the Lakota and Comanche, who fiercely defended their territories.

The Promised Land and Deadly Encounters

The advertisement didn’t mention the peril awaiting them. Settlers learned about Native American resistance only upon reaching places like Galveston, where they were advised to buy guns for protection. The journey was fraught with danger, and countless settlers were ambushed and slaughtered. The harsh reality was that these brave souls had no idea what awaited them until it was too late.

A Journey Marked by Death

The Oregon Trail, a path to the West, was littered with markers of those who perished. The Mormon Church’s desperate handcart expedition left thousands dead in a single year, a stark reminder of the merciless conditions. The brutal statistic: if settlers didn’t reach a critical point by July 4th, they were doomed to face the deadly winter unprepared.

The Savage Landscape and the Comanche Raids

One of the most terrifying episodes involved the Comanche, led by Chief Nokoni. He launched devastating raids, including burning Austin and Galveston, showcasing their military prowess. The settlers, completely unprepared, watched helplessly as their lives were destroyed.

The Role of Disease and Desperation

Disease decimated Native American populations, with 90% of casualties attributed to illnesses brought by Europeans. The settlers’ plight wasn’t solely due to native resistance; they also faced the invisible enemy of disease. The Buffalo, a vital food source for the tribes, was systematically exterminated, further weakening Native American resistance.

Hollywood vs. Reality

Early Western films portrayed a sanitized, adventurous version of the West, far removed from the brutal truth. The settlers were not adventurous thrill-seekers but desperate people fleeing famine, war, and persecution. They faced unimaginable hardships, building lives from nothing in a land fraught with danger.

Manifest Destiny: A Cruel Ideology

The notion of Manifest Destiny drove this westward expansion, masking the brutal reality with promises of prosperity. The politicians’ grand vision led to countless deaths and untold suffering. The repeated failure of military campaigns against skilled Native American warriors forced settlers into these dangerous territories.

The Technological Divide

The settlers faced technological inferiority against the Native American tribes. Before the repeating rifle, single-shot muskets were no match for the skillful archers on horseback. The settlers’ survival often depended on targeting villages when warriors were absent, a grim strategy that ultimately turned the tide.

1883: A Tale of Survival

The show “1883” captures this turbulent period, highlighting the settlers’ sheer will to survive amidst insurmountable odds. It’s a testament to human resilience and the unyielding spirit that forged a nation.

Stay tuned for more riveting tales from history, where the past’s brutal reality is brought to life. Join us next time on the Jogan Experience for another deep dive into the stories that shaped our world.