The Historical Accuracy of Yellowstone Spinoffs: A Deep Dive into 1883 and 1923

The Swimming Ban in 1883: Fact or Fiction?

In the popular Yellowstone spinoff, 1883, viewers are presented with the dramatic portrayal of German immigrants facing the threat of drowning as they attempt to cross the Brazos River. The show depicts the German settlers' lack of swimming skills as a result of a historical ban on swimming in Germany during the late 19th century. However, the accuracy of this portrayal has sparked discussions about the historical veracity of the swimming ban in 1883.

1883-Brazos-River-crossing

The fate of the German 1883 immigrants is based on historical facts, as at one point swimming was indeed illegal in Germany — just not in the 19th century. While the Scandinavian and Germanic people developed swimming skills throughout the centuries, the frequency of accidental drownings prompted German schools and universities to impose a total ban on the activity. Situated on the Danube river, the university town of Ingolstadt punished drowned offenders by whipping their bodies before burial. However, this started in the 1530s, and in the centuries that followed, German attitudes towards swimming became more amiable.

On the other hand, it could be that Josef was simply trying to earn sympathy for the 1883 immigrants. Throughout nearly every step of the journey, Josef and the German immigrants have been nothing but trouble for Shea, who openly expressed his disappointment for those who had no business being on the frontier. Well aware that American cowboys would know nothing about local European laws and customs, Josef's claims about the German swimming ban could've been a subtle request for the caravan leaders to find a less dangerous place to cross.

Even if Josef was lying about Germany making it illegal to swim, 1883 still fairly accurately the real-life struggles of pioneers. This portrayal sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and the lack of knowledge about local laws and customs during the late 19th century.

1923's Immigrants: Are They Historically Accurate?

Following the success of 1883, the next historic Yellowstone spinoff, 1923, delves into the early days of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch with a focus on the immigrants of the time. The show aims to portray the immigrants with better historical accuracy than its predecessor, 1883, and explores the range war between cattlemen and sheep-herders, led respectively by rancher and lawman Jacob Dutton and Banner Creighton.

Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton confronting Jacob Dutton in 1923.

One of the most notable events in the so-called 'sheep wars' happened in the winter of 1900 on the Montana-Wyoming border, during which unknown men slaughtered 2,113 sheep by beating them to death. Similar to how the Duttons in the 1923 cast bend the laws to their favor, those responsible for the 'Slaughter on the Otter' were never persecuted for their crimes, and were protected by the established cattle ranching community in Montana and Wyoming until they died.

By borrowing from real history, the 1923 and 1883 immigrants succeeded at painting a more compelling picture of the dark beginnings of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. The show's portrayal of the early frontier conflicts and the struggles of immigrants adds depth to the historical narrative and offers a captivating insight into the challenges faced by the pioneers of the time.

Conclusion

The Yellowstone spinoffs, 1883 and 1923, have sparked discussions about their historical accuracy and portrayal of the early days of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. While 1883 raises questions about the historical accuracy of the swimming ban in Germany during the late 19th century, it nonetheless sheds light on the challenges faced by immigrants and the lack of knowledge about local laws and customs. On the other hand, 1923 aims to depict the immigrants and the range war with better historical accuracy, drawing from real historical events to paint a compelling picture of the dark beginnings of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.