Spoilers ahead for 1923 season 2, episode 2, and 1883.
1923 Season 2, Episode 2, Shows How 1883 Could Have Ended
1923 Has An Alternate Ending For 1883 Fans
The frightening moment for Jacob and Jack on the way home from Bozeman causes quick thinking from the ranchers. As the blizzard picks up, rendering Jack unable to see the path ahead, Jacob instructs the convoy to head to the trees where they can escape the blizzardâs unforgiving winds and blinding snowfall.
Once out of immediate danger in a cluster of evergreens, the group unhitches the horses from Jackâs green wagon to create a shelter. After tying the horses to a nearby tree, the cowboys flip the wagon upside down, creating an enclosed space where everyone can huddle underneath.
Another remnant of 1883 in this scene is the way Jacob and Jack set the hoses free so they can find them later. They know if the horses are left to their own means of survival, they will find warmth and make it. This is a similar decision to the one Sam (Martin Sensmeier) encourages Elsa to make in 1883 when a tornado threatens their party. Eventually, they find their horses again after letting them loose.
The Dutton Familyâs Journey In Taylor Sheridanâs 1883 Explained
The Dutton Family Travels In A Covered Wagon To Montana
However, despite danger everywhere they turn, Elsa and her family donât confront the Oregon Trailâs most significant threat. Elsaâs 1883 death shortens the journey, landing the family in Big Sky Country rather than passing through the mountains in the snow.
Throughout the trip, wagon leader Thomas (LaMonica Garrett) and other 1883 characters make it abundantly clear that winter is the greatest threat to the party of emigrants. In 1883 episode 8, âThe Weep of Surrender,â Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) contemplates taking his wagon train to Colorado because they are behind schedule, gravely explaining their bleak options.
Why Winter Is The Ultimate Killer In 1883 & 1923
Winter Is A Chilling Threat In Montana

Elsa Dutton and her family would have frozen to death if they navigated through the cold, making winter the most certain killer they could encounter. Winter poses a similar threat in 1923 season 2.
While the Dutton family has attained a few modern conveniences, they are left with the same antiquated means of traveling through the snow. Additionally, a wolf breaches the lodge, proving the family still exists in the unforgiving wilderness. In 1883, diverting to Paradise Valley kept the Duttons from facing a winter unprepared. Winter would have ended their journey, resembling Jacob and Jackâs dire predicament in 1923.