The True Story of 'American Primeval'

By keely aouga

Netflix‘s new limited series American Primeval gives a startling look at the nation's growing western front in the mid-1800s.

Utah War (1857-1858)

This was a time when Native Americans collided with Mormon soldiers, pioneers looking for a new life and the American government itself.

The series stars Taylor Kitsch (Isaac), Betty Gilpin (Sara Rowell) and Dane DeHaan (Jacob Pratt).

American Primeval is a fictionalized dramatization and examination of the violent collision of culture, religion and community. Here is the true story explained.

Tudum reports that the history of the Utah War became a point of interest for executive producer Pete Berg.

In particular, a skirmish that occurred during the war, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, led Berg to do more research.

Eric Newman

“The Mountain Meadows Massacre did happen … and it became... an inciting incident of conflict for our cast of characters,” the executive producer said.

Fort Bridger is also real, with the writer calling it a “stopping ground” for “all the pioneers [and] the Mormons.”

In the series, Brigham Young was the real-life leader of the Mormon Church.

American Primeval's writer noted that the sermons featured in the series are all directly from Young's writings and what he preached to his congregation.

To learn more about the true story behind American Primeval, click the link below. 

The True Story Behind Netflix's 'American Primeval' Explained