Netflix’s dramatic series, “American Primitive,” transports viewers to the untamed landscapes of the American West during the year 1857, a period characterized by director Peter Berg as “one of the most brutal and secluded regions in America.
In this situation, a fierce struggle persists among the U.S. military, the Mormon Church, and Native American communities, making it extremely challenging for Sara Rowell (Betty Gilpin) and her child Devin (Preston Mota) to travel safely.
Sara’s spouse is situated more than 1,000 miles distant, and for them to get there, they require a guide to escort them across the border. Enter Taylor Kitsch’s character Isaac, a troubled individual grappling with his inner turmoil.
Over the course of six episodes, there was an effort by both the actors and production team to achieve authenticity; however, one may wonder about the accuracy or truthfulness of American Primeval.
Read on for everything you need to know about the inspiration behind the Netflix series.
Is American Primeval based on a true story?
American Primeval can be considered a “dramatized fictional account,” drawing inspiration from the Utah War, which took place between 1857 and 1858.
At that time, Kim Coates’ character, Brigham Young, held the position as head of the Mormon Church. Additionally, there is a university in Provo, Utah, that bears his name.
Coates expressed that he was well aware of the challenge in portraying this real-life figure, “Brigham Young.” He added that while actors often claim, “I’ve never played anyone like this before,” his experience with Brigham Young truly set him apart because people recognize the name instantly.
The young followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Young, migrated to Utah after experiencing clashes with other settlements in Missouri and Illinois. These disputes culminated in the demise of their founder, Joseph Smith Jr.
Or:
Following conflicts with other communities in Missouri and Illinois, Young and his fellow members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints moved to Utah, a migration that was unfortunately precipitated by the death of their founder, Joseph Smith Jr.
However, ten years into their settlement in the Great Salt Lake Valley, with the church’s membership expanding, they faced another period of danger.
President James Buchanan felt that the religious community was rising up against the administration and intended to remove Brigham Young as governor of Utah and install a non-Mormon named Alfred Cumming instead.
To make this happen, he commanded a first wave of 2,500 federal soldiers to advance into the region, causing alarm within the LDS Church as they feared that their leaders might face harm again.
Young and his followers resisted, with the assistance of local militia the Nauvoo Legion.
In essence, there were few significant battles due to the Mormons employing “scorched earth” strategies to delay the approaching army. These tactics included burning government wagons, which annihilated several months’ supply of food, and seizing vast herds of livestock from them.
The Nauvoo Legion’s strategies involved excavating trenches and constructing watchtowers made of stone, which served as vantage points for their marksmen.
But there was tragedy.
In the opening episode of American Primeval, we witness an event known as the Meadow Mountain Massacre, which transpired in September 1857.
120-150 people from Arkansas (according to different sources) were journeying from Utah to California when they encountered a violent attack by LDS militia and Paiute auxiliaries. It remains uncertain who instigated the assault, as some accuse Young while others point fingers at local leaders in the area.
The aggressive behaviors displayed by LSD members can be linked to the widespread panic that affected the Mormon Church when they discovered the government’s efforts against them, along with the long-term persecution they endured before settling in Utah.
After a long journey, the military ultimately arrived at Fort Bridger, as shown in American Primeval. However, during winter, they stayed there, but it’s important to note that this location was owned by the LDS Church and had already been destroyed – burned down as part of their resistance against federal authorities.
Eventually, Salt Lake City was the destination for Cumming, yet when he got there, it had already been mostly deserted.
As a film enthusiast, I found myself in an unexpected role as a historical observer during those tumultuous times. The new governor of Utah was appointed, marking a turning point in the region’s history. The LDS community, long embroiled in controversy, finally received government pardon, bringing Buchanan’s war against the Mormons to an end. However, it’s important to note that many Americans remained critical and distant from the unique practices and beliefs of the Mormon faith for years to come.
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2025-01-09 13:08