BTS: Texas Settings of ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘1883’
Over its impressive five-season stretch, “Yellowstone” has gained a legion of devoted followers, thanks in part to its remarkable ensemble cast, gripping plot twists, and the captivating central figure, John Dutton. One key factor to the show’s success is its visually arresting cinematography, which captures the authentic, awe-inspiring setting of the American West. The show’s popularity led to the production of a spinoff, “1883,” which shifted much of the action to Texas. Join us as we take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the recognizable Texas settings of “Yellowstone” and “1883.”
Fort Worth
Alps Building
Currently used as an office building, this Fort Worth location was the home of Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency in “1883.”
Cody Building
This historic building in the Stockyards is currently home to the Rodeo Exchange, as well as second-floor office space. But during the production of “1883,” it was temporally restored to its original use: a frontier hotel. Called the Hotel Calhoun in the show, this is where the Duttons spend their first night in Fort Worth; the second-story offices were styled as Claire and Elsa’s hotel rooms. Before its current use, the Cody Building was known as the Cody House, the Hotel Brown, and the Hereford Hotel, respectively.
Fort Worth Stockyards
Life in this popular tourist magnet was temporarily upended when the crew of “1883” arrived in Fort Worth to shoot the show’s first two episodes. The crew completely transformed the location by creating dirt roads, removing street signs, and refacing some of the facades to give them a more authentic period look. The result? A picture-perfect recreation of the famous Hell’s Half Acre. The Stockyards’ cattle pens also offered the production crew an easy way to capture working cowboys in a setting that couldn’t be more authentic.
Hooker’s Grill
The facade of this Stockyards eatery was completely transformed by the production team of “1883” to create the look and feel of an authentic Wild West gambling den. While most of the Stockyards returned to its normal appearance after production concluded, Hooker’s decided to keep its new “old” exterior design.
Will Rogers Memorial Center
In the ninth episode of season four of “Yellowstone,” the crew shot several rodeo scenes at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth. The setting made sense as the center features a 120-acre equestrian and event complex that frequently hosts major rodeo events.
Pearl’s Dancehall & Saloon
This iconic Stockyards destination didn’t need Hollywood to put it on the map. One of the oldest establishments in Texas, its history began when Buffalo Bill Cody opened it as a brothel. In “1883,” it became the White Elephant Saloon and hosted a memorable scene with Billy Bob Thornton.
Tattoo Ranch
The world-famous Tattoo Ranch, which is located a stone’s throw from the Stockyards in Fort Worth but is currently temporarily closed, served as the location of several livery paddock scenes in “1883.”
Granbury
Hood County Courthouse
Production crews never showed up in Granbury to shoot in the town’s central square. Instead, images of
this late-19th-century historic courthouse were inserted digitally into scenes of Fort Worth’s Main Street for “1883.” The CGI effect helped give the Fort Worth shots a period look that was more authentic.
Farina’s Winery & Café
Not all the Hotel Calhoun interior scenes were shot in the Cody Building. A few interiors were staged inside this Granbury restaurant for “1883.” Fans of the show can swing by and enjoy an Italian meal in the spot where Shea and Thomas ask James to join the caravan.
Guthrie
In the fourth season of “Yellowstone,” a surprising twist sent Jimmy, a well-liked ranch worker, off to the 6666 Ranch (the Four Sixes Ranch) to hone his cowboy skills. The ranch then became pivotal to the “1883” storyline, and many important exterior scenes were shot there.
The 6666 Ranch is an authentic historic ranch established in 1870 near Guthrie. Before “Yellowstone” arrived, it was best known for raising American quarter horses and Angus cattle. Visitors can explore the 6666 Supply House, a structure that has remained in its original location since the dawn of the 20th century. In fact, the ranch was purchased by “Yellowstone” and “1883” creator Taylor Sheridan in January 2022.
Palestine
The crew shot several key railroad scenes in “1883” on a stretch of track that connects Palestine and Rusk in East Texas. One aspect that drew the production to this spot was the fact that a restored historic locomotive still makes regular trips. Visitors can ride the train as it winds through the Piney Woods and back into an imaginary past.
Venus
During a pivotal midseason moment in season five of “Yellowstone,” Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, makes a speech in what is supposed to be the town of Hardin, Montana. But the actual scene was shot in Venus, located in Johnson County. The exterior of the town’s historic center was styled to look like Montana, but the extras in the scene included some of the town’s 5,000 residents who showed up in droves to watch the production.
Weatherford
Bosque Ranch
This ranch was also purchased by Sheridan, and he uses the Brazos River-adjacent property for shooting several outdoor scenes in the shows as well as housing the production offices during the shoot.
Mary’s Brazos Cafe
This Parker County spot was used to shoot a quick scene in “Yellowstone” — much to the surprise of the café owner. It was one of the first Texas locations to be spotted in the film, a lead-up to the eventual spinoff “1883.” How did Mary’s Brazos Café get chosen? Apparently, Sheridan, the show’s creator, regularly eats breakfast there.
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