On the Big Screen

CLASSIC WESTERN FILMS

The town of Ridgway and its local mountains and valleys have long been a favorite setting for Hollywood’s classic westerns. Many film sites, buildings, props and embellishment may still be seen in and around Ridgway. Among those movies filmed in the area were: “Tribute to a Bad Man” and “How the West Was Won” – in which the old RGS Railroad Depot (still standing in Ridgway) was transformed into the “Independence Hotel”.

In 1968, Director Henry Hathaway turned Ridgway into Fort Smith, Arkansas
for the filming of “True Grit”, starring John Wayne, Glen Campbell, Kim Darby,
Robert Duvall & Dennis Hopper. Please visit us for a tour guide to locations used in the movie.

Katie’s Meadow- Just west of Ridgway, this scenic meadow is the film location site for several memorable scenes from “True Grit”.

Mattie’s Ranch About 10 miles west of Ridgway on Last Dollar Road, one may view the ranch where John Wayne jumps his horse over the fence at the end of “True Grit”.