1883 Ending Explained & What To Expect With The Sequel 1923
1883 is a heart wrenching Western series that portrays the lives of James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) as they leave a life of poverty in Tennessee to travel the Oregon Trail with their children to start a new life.
It’s a story about the hardships, heartbreak, and adventure that was a reality for many of our American ancestors who headed West in search of a better life.
1883 is a prequel to the popular Western drama series Yellowstone. The series consists of 10 episodes and concluded on February 27, 2022. Its sequel 1923, formerly called 1932, is set to release December 2023.
Keep reading to find out more about the symbolism of the ending of 1883 and the next prequel to Yellowstone, 1923.
1883: The Beginning of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch
The year 1883 marked the beginning of the Dutton family’s adventure on the Oregon Trail. The post-Civil war generation of the Dutton family travels from Tennessee to Texas to join a wagon train heading west.
But they never make it to Oregon. The Dutton's end up settling in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone Ranch.
Throughout the series, we follow along with the Dutton family and learn much of the backstory to the Yellowstone storyline. We find out why, exactly, they’ve fought so hard to hold on to the land for more than 100 years.
The Dutton family’s journey was not without its share of tragedies. The heartbreaking loss of beloved characters Elsa Dutton (Isabel May) and Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) brought many viewers to tears in the finale of 1883. However, it also brought on hope, as we see Josef, as well as Thomas and Noemi, begin the next chapter of their lives.
And this becomes the upcoming series, 1923.
The Ending of 1883
At the end of 1883, the Dutton’s found themselves in Paradise Valley, Montana, far off from their original destination of Oregon. We learn all it took for the Dutton’s to make it to Montana and establish their new homestead.
Elsa’s Death in Paradise Valley
As her dying wish, Elsa chose Paradise Valley to be her final resting place. Spotted Eagle, a crow elder played by Graham Greene, suggested it. He had tried to help save Elsa before realizing it was too late.
But, after it became clear that Elsa would not recover from the infection brought on by the arrow, James took her to Paradise Valley. After choosing a spot near some trees, Elsa passes away in her father’s arms.
Yellowstone Was Founded On The Spot Elsa Dutton Died
Why Elsa Had To Die
The tragedy of Elsa’s death is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities that pioneers faced on their journey out West. It is also a testament to the resilience and determination of those who dared to venture into uncharted territories.
But without her death, the Dutton’s would have likely gone on to Oregon instead of beginning Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. And if they had moved on to Oregon and started a ranch, it may not have been as powerful. Elsa’s death was pivotal to the Dutton's rise to power in Montana.
Shea’s Suicide
Shea’s wife and daughter had succumbed to smallpox and Shea didn’t see the point of living after their deaths.
He had promised his wife he would see the ocean and so he waited until he got to Oregon before killing himself.
The Hummingbird Is Shea’s Wife?
A hummingbird came to Shea while at the beach in Oregon, fulfilling his promise to his wife. It symbolizes the spirit of his wife, coming to enjoy the ocean with him.
The hummingbird stayed for a while and Shea had a peaceful moment with it, feeling the presence of his wife. He felt it was a sign that he could let go and die in peace.
Elsa and Sam Reunite in 1883 Finale
After Elsa’s death, we see her reunite with her Comanche husband Sam (Martin Sensmeier) on horseback and they ride off together.
Her voice narrates, “There is a moment where your dreams and your memories merge together and form a perfect world. That is Heaven. And each Heaven is unique. It is the world of you,” she says. “The land is filled with all you hold dear, and the sky is your imagination. My Heaven is filled with good horses and open plains and wild cattle and a man who loves me.”
While we don’t know for sure whether Sam is dead or alive, from her description of Heaven, but we understand that he could be either. Elsa's version of Heaven includes the man she loves, so whether or not he is actually dead doesn’t matter.
Elsa's version of Heaven includes the man she loves, so whether or not he is actually dead doesn’t matter.
The finale of 1883 brought many viewers to tears with the heartbreaking loss of the beloved characters Elsa Dutton and Shea Brennan. However, it also brought on hope, as we see Josef, as well as Thomas and Noemi, begin the next chapter of their lives.
When Does 1923 premiere?
1923, previously 1932, is the sequel to 1883 and the prequel to Yellowstone. The series is still in development, but according to IMDB, it’s set to release December 18, 2023.
What Will 1923 Be About?
It has been reported that the series will take place during the time of Western expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression.
Creator Taylor Sheridan has revealed that 1923 will focus on the children we’ve met in 1883 attempting to raise another generation of Duttons at the time of the Wild West becoming a playground for the elite from the East.
Who Are The Cast of 1923?
According to a recent article in Good Housekeeping, the cast of 1923 will include Harrison Ford as James, and Helen Mirren as Cara. We’re excited to find out more about the story behind Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
And that's not all.
Michelle Randolph, Brian Geraghty, Aminah Nieves, Sebastian Roche, Robert Patrick, and Julia Schlaepfer have also been announced as part of the cast. Joining them will be Jerome Flynn, perhaps best know to fans as Bronn from Game of Thrones, who will reportedly play a Scottish shepherd and local leader who's expected to be an antagonist in the series.
We can't wait to find out what happens next!