1923’s shocking Train Station reveal changes the Dutton family forever

The Train Station is one of the most enduring pieces of Dutton family lore, but 1923 just changed everything we thought we knew about the infamous drop-off point.

From the beginning of Taylor Sheridan’s Western universe, the Train Station played a huge role. Every time the Duttons disposed of one of their many enemies, John D would often give the fated instruction, “take him to the Train Station.”

This, of course, was code for taking the body to their favorite dump site. Sitting on the border between Montana and Wyoming, it’s a “jurisdictional dead zone,” where, because of the zero population, nobody could be tried for a crime committed there. 

Until now, this appeared to be a twisted invention from the murderous Duttons, which was just another feather in their murderous cap. But 1923 just changed all of that, and we might have to rethink how harsh we were about this family.

The Train Station was Donald Whitfield’s idea

Alas, the Train Station wasn’t a Dutton family trademark. 1923 Season 2 Episode 4 revealed that villainous goldmine mogul Donald Whitfield was actually the creator of his concept.

Whitfield is currently gearing up for war against the Duttons to take over their land (he wants to build a ski resort – surprise, surprise), and preparations must be made. Anticipating plenty of casualties, he tells his henchman Banner about a new idea.

Paramount

In order to bury any evidence, they can use the lawless site between Montana and Wyoming. He doesn’t call it the “Train Station”, but we all know what he’s talking about. Banner, rightfully disturbed by the idea, is then told to make the first gruesome drop off. 

Needless to say, this was a big shock to a lot of Yellowstone fans. For years, the so-called Train Station has been as iconic to the Duttons as, say, cattle or the Y brand. (Seriously, check out any Yellowstone-branded t-shirt.) But now, our perception of the family has changed with this new information.

One less mark against the Duttons

It’s safe to say the Duttons aren’t a morally upright family. The ranch comes first, and anyone who gets in the way is quickly (and sometimes brutally) executed. This makes for some cool cowboy moments, but over time, it’s become clear that the Duttons aren’t necessarily people to root for.

The Train Station was one of the biggest factors in this. Knowing they had a specific area they’d used for generations to throw away bodies like trash is an unsettling thought. Let’s just say: it didn’t make them any more likable. 

Paramount

But now we know the Train Station wasn’t their idea. While 1923 is still unfolding, there’s a very likely outcome. Whitfield will lose the war against Jacob and his clan, and the Duttons will dispose of him in the very place he intended to put them.

And since it’ll probably work quite nicely, it makes sense that they’d stick with it for the next couple of decades. Perhaps the Train Station has become more than a simple dumping ground – it’s a reminder of all those around them who’d wish to see them dead.

So yes, while this revelation doesn’t forgive any of the Duttons’ many, many crimes, it does let them off the hook in this one regard. And if Jacob does end up throwing Whitfield down the ravine, then to that, we say: fair play.

For more Yellowstone thoughts, check out our feature on why Spencer Dutton is most like this Yellowstone character. You can also see which we think it the best Yellowstone spinoff, and find out what’s happening with The Madison series.