Introduction

The western is a truly iconic genre and True Grit is no exception. The novel from 1968 was a bestseller and went on to inspire not one but two movies. True Grit is a classic Western following an unlikely trio. Each character is as hard-nosed as the other, but each has their own individual flair. The adventure kicks off under tumultuous circumstances when Mattie Ross’s father is robbed and murdered by the criminal Tom Chaney. Ross, the embodiment of “true grit” refuses to idly stand by, so when she hears Chaney has run off into Native American territory she enlists the help of the one-eyed marshal, Rooster Cogburn. The third member is the pompous Texas ranger LaBoeuf, who is reluctantly accepted by the party, especially Mattie as it was LaBoeuf’s intention to take Chaney back to Texas. Together, they enter uncharted and treacherous territory often butting heads along the way but eventually finding the murderer. The climax is a true American western thriller with guns blazing, snake pits, and acts of heroism. The story will have anyone intrigued accompanied with the desire for their own adventure. Luckily, the setting of True Grit is all based on real locations allowing us to embark on our own western adventure.

Dardanelle, Arkansas

It only makes sense to begin our journey in Mattie Ross’s small hometown of Dardanelle. True Grit has become a major spotlight of Arkansas history and culture so much in fact the state of Arkansas has dedicated the journey from Dardanelle to Fort Smith the “True Grit” Trail. The route only takes about an hour and half by car and the state website details the journey here. The nickname of Arkansas is “The Natural State” and for good reason as this region is filled with gorgeous scenery and unchanged lands. Dardanelle is one of the oldest cities in the state of Arkansas establishing itself in the 1800’s as a major transportation hub between Little Rock and Fort Smith. It’s no wonder why the Ross family laid down roots here. Mattie’s hometown sits on the banks of the Arkansas River and at the foot of Mount Nebo. The Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle offer some of the best bass fishing while Mount Nebo state park offers scenic hikes. Check out the Mount Nebo Rim Trail or the Bench Trail which are both about 3.5 miles and highly rated on AllTrails. As you make your way out of Dardanelle, there will be plenty of classic rural American sites with long pastures and grazing cattle with the occasional metallic roofed barn. The trail will highlight some True Grit stops along the way to Fort Smith including True Grit Grounds, a themed coffee shop where customers can order a cup of Rooster’s Roast or True Grit Grounds mug with a clever Rooster Cogburn design.

Fort Smith, Arkansas

Arkansas played a major role during the late 1800’s as a corridor to western expansion, especially Fort Smith which is on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Fort Smith is also where the group was formed and where they set off on their manhunt. Today, the Fort Smith building is considered a National Historic Site where travelers can visit and learn more about the history of this region. You will find that the building served as the courthouse that presided over western Arkansas and the Native territory that the trio entered to track down Chaney. Judge Isaac C. Parker, who was featured in the novel, actually served as the first appointed judge of the area and his nickname the hanging judge wasn’t some literary exaggeration. Judge Parker, received this nickname in real life as he was often quick to sentence defendants to death. For those American history buffs, Fort Smith is filled with all sorts of American West remnants that create the True Grit setting. Check out the official True Grit Trail website here where you can find just about every detail about the trail, the history, and the book.