Is Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’ Based On A True Story? What’s Fact vs. Fiction

Netflix’s American Primeval debuted earlier this week, quickly becoming the platform’s top-ranked show. As viewers get immersed in the gripping historical drama, many are curious about how much of it is based on real events and whether the characters portrayed are historically accurate. Let’s dive into the fact versus fiction in this series.

Is American Primeval Based On A True Story?

Yes, American Primeval is inspired by actual historical events. The show incorporates significant events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Utah War, and other historical figures who lived during the 1857 Utah Territory. While these real-life events are at the heart of the story, the series also features fictional characters and dramatized storylines to make the narrative more engaging.

Which Characters in American Primeval Are Real?

Several characters in the series are based on real historical figures. These characters played significant roles during the Utah War and the events leading to the Mountain Meadows Massacre:

Jim Bridger (played by Shea Whigham): A real-life pioneer who established Fort Bridger and became a key player in the conflicts between settlers and Native Americans.
Brigham Young (played by Kim Coates): The leader of the Mormon Church during the 1850s, Young led the Nauvoo Legion, a militia central to the historical conflicts.
Wild Bill Hickman (played by Alex Breaux): A notorious lawman and a member of the Mormon militia, Hickman’s character is integral to the show’s portrayal of the Utah War.

Which Characters in American Primeval Are Fictional?

Not all characters are based on historical figures. Some characters are entirely fictional, including the central family at the heart of the show:

Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin)
Devin Rowell (Preston Mota)
Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch)
Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier)

These characters allow the writers to explore various perspectives of life in the Utah Territory. In addition, Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) is a fictional character inspired by historical accounts of women abducted by Native tribes during this period.

Did The Mountain Meadows Massacre Happen In Real Life?

Yes, the Mountain Meadows Massacre was a real historical event, depicted in the first episode of American Primeval. The massacre occurred on September 11, 1857, in southern Utah, where Mormon militia disguised as Native Americans attacked a group of emigrants traveling westward.

The real-life massacre led to the deaths of 120 emigrants, which is one of the most controversial and bloody events in American history. The series draws upon extensive historical research to accurately portray the massacre, including consultations with historians and visits to the massacre site.

Was Fort Bridger a Real Place?

Yes, Fort Bridger was a real military and trading post during the 1850s. Located in Utah Territory, the fort was a critical stop for emigrants traveling westward on the Oregon, California, and Mormon trails. Fort Bridger’s strategic importance during the Utah War is a key aspect of American Primeval.

In the series, the fort is shown burning down as part of the historical events in 1857 when Mormon forces set it ablaze to prevent it from falling into the hands of the U.S. Army. The real fort was rebuilt by the U.S. Army a year later and served as a military post until 1890.

Conclusion: A Blend of Fact and Fiction

American Primeval is an intriguing blend of real events, historical figures, and fictionalized characters. By incorporating pivotal moments like the Mountain Meadows Massacre and Fort Bridger, the series provides a gripping portrayal of life during the Utah War. While not all characters are based on real people, the series is grounded in history and serves as an engaging introduction to a violent, formative period of American history.

To dive deeper into the real history behind the series, check out the following resources: