What I enjoy about 1883 is the authenticity of it. While there is some dramatization there is a lot of truth to the experiences early settlers experienced. As a native of Wyoming, I have read and experienced some of the hardships (not on a scale to this) and thus can appreciate the life these folks experienced. More importantly, no matter your status or political views, it does explain why the namesakes of so many early settlers are so stubborn and resilient to change or progress.