In this episode of the 1836 Podcast, we dive into True Grit, the iconic novel by Arkansas native Charles Portis, and its deep ties to the state. Explore how Portis’s upbringing in El Dorado and Little Rock shaped the story of Mattie Ross, a determined girl from Yell County, and Rooster Cogburn, a gritty U.S. Marshal based in Fort Smith. We uncover historical connections, like the real-life inspirations behind the characters, including Helen Spence’s act of “River Justice” and Fort Smith’s federal court under Judge Isaac C. Parker. From the novel’s 1968 debut to its film adaptations in 1969 and 2010, we discuss how True Grit reflects Arkansas’s rugged landscapes and unyielding spirit. Join us for a journey through this Western classic’s Arkansas roots!

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