1883 serves as a prequel to the beloved series Yellowstone, delving into the trials and triumphs of the Dutton family’s ancestors. It takes audiences on an immersive journey back in time to the rugged landscapes of the American frontier. 1883 captures the essence of America in its most turbulent times when settlers were making their way westward despite the daunting terrains and obstacles they faced.
The series is focused on the journey of Tim McGraw’s James Dillard Dutton, Faith Hill’s Margaret, Isabel May’s Elsa, and Sam Elliott’s Shea. How exactly did the show end? Let’s find out!
1883 Plot Summary
This prequel to the acclaimed series Yellowstone transports us back to a key point in history where pioneers and settlers journeyed west in search of fresh starts.
Tracing their roots back to the Wild West, the Dutton family’s journey is dangerous in 1883. From brutal landscapes and fierce outlaws to harsh nature, the pioneers face a multitude of hard challenges. Despite the danger, their unbreakable courage and determination drive them forward.
Audiences are transported to a time where survival needs more than physical strength, it requires the capability to modify, persist, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. The show takes us to a world where the dream of a better life is not without its consequences while highlighting real historical details and featuring an engaging set of characters through its captivating narrative.
Where Do The Duttons End Up? 1883 Ending Explained
At the end of 1883, Elsa dies in James’s arms due to an arrow wound that had gone untreated and worsened. Just before her death, she decided on a spot in Paradise Valley to be laid to rest. That is also where James and Margaret built their Yellowstone Dutton ranch. Thus, the finale depicted the establishment of the ranch and the custom of the Duttons being buried in Paradise Valley.
Josef’s life had been thrown into a tailspin with the death of his beloved wife, his leg having to be amputated after a snake bite, and the decision to move forward from the tragedy by taking off his wedding ring and starting anew by rebuilding his home.
Gratiela Brancusi’s Noemi and LaMonica Garrett’s Thomas managed to find a safe haven in Oregon after a long journey. Although the conclusions of the show were mostly joyous, the ending for Shea was devastating. After his goal of reaching the beach was achieved, Shea sadly chose to take his own life.
The hummingbird fluttering near him was a reminder of his beloved Helen, who had succumbed to smallpox in the winter of 1883, and it gave him solace to know she was with him in spirit.
One of the most heartbreaking deaths is that of Elsa, daughter of the series narrator and James and Margaret. She passed away due to a fatal arrow wound that could not be treated. Elsa was caught in the crossfire between the Lakota warriors and the white settlers.
Before she passed away, she chose a valley named Paradise as her last resting place. James and Margaret chose to construct their Yellowstone ranch in the same place, and it still remains in the 21st century.
The series depicted the initiation of the Yellowstone ranch, and now that Elsa has passed away, it’s time for the family to progress into the following stage of their lives. 1923 will be the series that delves into this idea, however, James and Margaret will not be able to take part in it because James is killed by a gunshot and Margaret perishes from the cold not long after.
Do We See Elsa’s Grave In Yellowstone?
Yes, the final resting place of Elsa is located in Yellowstone. When the time of her death came, she chose a valley known as Paradise to be her burial site. James and Margaret constructed their Yellowstone home on that same property, which would remain there for one and a half centuries.
The land of the Yellowstone ranch is where Elsa passed away. She’s still remembered in Yellowstone, as shown in the series. Viewers get to see the gravestones of Margaret, Elsa, and James Dutton when Summer discovers them.
