The film was shot in the picturesque expanses of the American West, primarily in Utah, and is a multi-part saga that immerses the viewer in the era before and after the Civil War. The project explores the large-scale expansion and settlement of western territories, showcasing the challenges faced by pioneers and settlers as they ventured into vast and uncharted lands. Each chapter delves into different aspects of this transformative period in American history, from the early stages of development to conflicts with Native American tribes and the struggle for survival as new settlers arrived. This epic narrative spans the territories of Wyoming, New Mexico, and Montana, offering a detailed look at the formation of the American frontier.

Filming Locations:

Professor Valley

In the Movie

Scene where the 1859 settlement in the San Pedro Valley, Arizona, was filmed, including the lookout point from which Native Americans observe the newly arrived pioneers, highlighting the cultural clash and unfolding drama of westward expansion.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the scenic Professor Valley, known for its majestic sandstone mesas and lush riparian areas along the Colorado River. This valley, located in Grand County, Utah, offers striking landscape contrasts, making it ideal for depicting the wild and pristine American West, often used in film.

San Rafael Swell

In the Movie

Scene where the western section of the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas was depicted with a wagon train, showing pioneers crossing remote and scenic areas, emphasizing the arduous journey and collective effort required for westward migration.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the San Rafael Swell, a vast and remote geological formation in central Utah, known for its deep canyons, expansive plateaus, and stunning desert landscapes. This area creates an authentic sense of wild, untouched nature, perfectly suited for depicting the harsh trails and sparsely populated territories.

Durango

In the Movie

Scene where much of Chapter 2 was filmed, focusing on the conflict with Native American tribes and survival as new settlers arrive, showcasing the hardships and challenges faced by characters in a dynamic frontier environment.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Durango, a city in southwestern Colorado nestled among the San Juan Mountains, known for its rich Wild West history and access to rugged mountain and canyon landscapes. This area is ideal for depicting the harsh territories where the dramatic events of the film's second chapter unfolded.

La Sal Mountains

In the Movie

Scene where the territories of Wyoming were depicted, with a town built by the film crew where Hayes Ellison meets Marigold, showcasing the creation of new communities amidst the harsh and diverse landscapes of the American frontier.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the La Sal Mountains, the second highest mountain range in Utah, known for their snow-capped peaks and alpine landscapes, sharply contrasting with the surrounding red rock desert. This region provides stunning landscape diversity, allowing for compelling and visually rich scenes depicting the wild nature of the West.

Onion Creek

In the Movie

Scene where depicting the 1859 settlement in the San Pedro Valley, Arizona, showcasing the early stages of westward expansion and the hardships faced by pioneers and settlers as they ventured into vast, uncharted territories, capturing the essence of the new frontier.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the scenic Onion Creek valley, known for its unique geological formations including red rocks and canyons. This area, located in Grand County, Utah, is a popular destination for outdoor activities, offering breathtaking views and a sense of wilderness, perfectly matching the depiction of uncharted western territories.