With its December launch, the “Yellowstone” prequel series “1923” unquestionably exceeded everyone’s expectations. The amazing 7.4 million viewers were partially due to the team, which included Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. By delving into the lives of Jacob Dutton (Ford) and Cara Dutton (Mirren), the Western series explores the history of the Dutton family. The focus of Season 1 was primarily centered upon the Dutton family’s life in the mountain west in the early 20th century, during pandemics, record droughts, the repeal of Prohibition, and the Great Depression.
What Town Is 1923 Filmed In?
“1923” was filmed throughout Europe, South Africa, and the United States (Montana). The filming locations were mainly Butte, Anaconda, and Whitehall. Now, let’s get into certain scenes and specifics. The Dutton ranch portrayed throughout the series is in fact the historic Chief Joseph Ranch located in Darby, Montana. And Butte’s Carpenter’s Union Hall and Butte Civic Center were used for the town’s exteriors and interiors.
Montana, US
There are 13 separate filming locations used for Yellowstone Dutton Ranch 1923, nine of which are towns and localities in Montana. Pony, Anaconda, Whitehall, Dillon, Hamilton, Valier, Deer Lodge, Park City, and Butte are mentioned. Montana is the leading real-world filming site for “1923,” similar to “Yellowstone.”
In the “Yellowstone” prequel, we experience the heart of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and the lives of characters like Cara and Jack Dutton. Their stories come alive against the backdrop of local pastures, wild landscapes, and the lively streets of Jacob’s downtown scenes. The story also takes us through Teonna Rainwater’s time at a Catholic boarding school, all set against Montana’s rugged beauty.
Using familiar filming spots from the original series, the prequel honors its roots while creating its unique storyline.
Butte
The “1923” production team spent much time painting Butte to change the city’s existing century-old structures to give the show the ancient, rustic feel it required. Uptown Butte served as both Uptown Butte and Bozeman. The intersection of Broadway and Hamilton Streets was the location of the boxing ring in the first episode. The citizens of Butte were overjoyed that their community had finally gained recognition in Hollywood and that its unique features, such as its old coal and copper mines and historic structures, had received the recognition they so richly deserved.
A-GameZ Cards & Collectibles
Film directors changed A-GameZ Cards & Collectibles to the Silver Dollar Soda Shop. The shop makes an appearance in the first scene where ladies who support prohibition protest outside the soda store and tell Jacob Dutton not to enter.
Thornton Building
The Thornton Building served as the set for the First Bank of Montana when Jacob Dutton attempted to get a loan to nourish his cattle. Formerly a hotel, the Thornton Building is currently used as office space.
Chief Joseph Ranch, Darby
Like “Yellowstone,” the legendary Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, serves as the setting for the historical Dutton Ranch in “1923.”
Given that “1923” is the narrative of how Yellowstone came to be, it is hardly unexpected that the ranch was chosen as the setting for filming.
Daly Mansion
Donald Whitfield’s home in “1923” was filmed at the Daly Mansion in Montana. When Banner Creighton contacts the wealthy businessman in the fourth episode of the series to ask for his assistance in forcing the Duttons to submit, we get our first look at it.
The massive 24,000-square-foot Victorian house dates back to the nineteenth century. There are 50 rooms total in the opulent three-story house, with 25 bedrooms, 15 baths, and seven fireplaces.
This structure is famous for being the Governor’s home in Yellowstone.
Valier, Rock City
Teonna spends the night in a distant spot hiding from a wolf after fleeing the cruel boarding school. She awakens in the morning, surrounded by sheep, and meets Hank, who promises to assist her in finding her family.
The setting for the filming was Rock City, which is close to Valier, Montana.
Where Were the African Scenes in ‘1923’ Filmed?
The ‘1923’ production team and CEO of 101 Studios confirms that part of its production was filmed in South Africa, Kenya, and Zanzibar in Tanzania. According to, Brendan Sklenar, all of the actual African scenes were in fact filmed on location in Africa depicting all of Africa’s natural beauty and landscapes.
Some of the specific scenes filmed throughout South Africa were: KwaZulu Natal’s Kearsney Manor served as the Stanley Hotel in Nairobi, where Spencer and Alexandra first meet. The Umgeni Steam Railway, also known as the Inchanga Choo Choo, was used to film Spencer’s train journey in episode 2. Kalk Bay was used as the Mombasa harbor where Spencer and Alexandra board a tugboat to leave Africa. Particularly in Kenya, Spencer’s romantic Zanzibar hideaway scenes were filmed at Diani Beach. And the Serengeti National Park located in Northern Tanzania was used to film shots of the African Savanna.
Where Are They Filming ‘1923’ Season 2?
It has been confirmed that Season 2 of the hit series ‘1923’ will be switching gears and filming in Texas. Many of you Montana lovers may question, why? Well, it’s simply due to more favorable tax incentives but Montana will be missed.
