Additional Coverage:
- Netflix’s gritty Western ‘American Primeval’ is inspired by the true story of a brutal massacre (newsbreak.com)
American Primeval Draws Inspiration from True Tragedy
Netflix’s Western series “American Primeval” depicts the harsh reality of the 19th-century West. The show’s first episode portrays the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a real-life tragedy that serves as a catalyst for the main characters’ journey.
Mountain Meadows Massacre: A Brutal Incident
In 1857, a group of travelers was attacked and murdered in Utah by Mormon militiamen and Paiute Indians. The massacre claimed the lives of 120 people, including women and children.
Mormon-Government Conflict Fueled Tragedy
The massacre stemmed from a feud between Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and the US government. Mormons feared an attack by US troops and formed their own army.
Aftermath and Punishment
Only one person, John Doyle Lee, was severely punished for the massacre. He was convicted and executed by firing squad at the massacre site.
Massacre Drives Plot in “American Primeval”
In the show, the massacre is a turning point that sets the characters on a dangerous path. They are pursued by Mormon soldiers trying to cover up their involvement in the attack.
History Informs Narrative
The Mountain Meadows Massacre provides historical context for “American Primeval.” It shows the brutality of the era and the conflicts that shaped the American West.