Cole Hauser’s Montana Roots Influence ‘Yellowstone’ Legacy
Actor’s Family Ties to the Treasure State Date Back Over a Century
Cole Hauser says his family helped – Cole Hauser’s relationship with Montana is rooted in more than just the television series that has brought the state into global spotlight. During an interview with Fox News Digital, Hauser revealed that his family’s historical connection to the region stretches back nearly 140 years, offering a unique perspective on the show’s cultural impact. While Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” franchise has introduced millions to the rugged beauty of Montana, Hauser emphasized that his ancestors were already shaping the state’s identity long before the series began its run.
“Montana, my family has been there since 1886. So, the Hauser legacy there is huge,” Hauser explained. He further noted that Samuel T. Hauser, an ancestor, played a pivotal role in Montana’s early development as the seventh governor of the territory. “Going back there felt like a homecoming for me,” he added, highlighting the emotional resonance of filming in a place steeped in familial history.
Samuel T. Hauser, who governed Montana in the late 19th century, was not only a political leader but also a businessman whose investments in railroads, banking, and mining laid the groundwork for the territory’s infrastructure and economy. This legacy, Hauser said, gave him a personal stake in the show’s portrayal of the state’s landscape and culture. “It’s like coming back to a place that’s been part of my DNA,” he remarked, reflecting on the significance of the setting.
The Rise of Set-Jetting: A New Trend in Tourism
As “Yellowstone” expanded its influence beyond its native state, experts observed a surge in travel inspired by the show. Adam Duckworth, founder of Travelmation, noted that fans are increasingly seeking immersive experiences tied to their favorite media. “Traveling to the sets of popular TV shows, movies, and books has become a major trend,” Duckworth said. He coined the term “set-jetting” to describe this phenomenon, where audiences travel to locations they’ve seen on screen to feel closer to the characters and worlds they admire.
“‘Yellowstone’ was one of the first shows to spark this trend,” Duckworth explained. “Fans would watch the Dutton family in those breathtaking landscapes and want to see them in person with their own eyes. Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas saw a significant tourism boom as the show gained popularity, and now we expect a similar shift in Texas with the spin-off ‘Dutton Ranch.'”
The series, which premiered in 2018, began as a local production in Montana before evolving into a global phenomenon. Hauser acknowledged that the show’s journey from a grassroots project to a worldwide franchise has transformed the state’s natural scenery into a recognizable symbol. “Montana isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right,” he said, emphasizing the way the state’s vast landscapes and traditions became inseparable from the narrative of the series.
A Global Phenomenon: From Montana to Texas and Beyond
Hauser, who has personally experienced the show’s international appeal, noted how its influence transcends borders. While filming in Europe, he observed fans dressing as cowboys and recreating scenes from the show, a testament to its cultural resonance. “We were just in Europe, and it’s amazing to watch the Germans dress up as cowboys, the English—everyone’s getting into the spirit,” he shared, underscoring the show’s universal charm.
“I’ve been to Australia and New Zealand. I mean, just how many people have been touched by it,” Hauser added, reflecting on the show’s far-reaching impact. When asked why “Yellowstone” resonated globally, he credited Sheridan’s storytelling and the authenticity of Montana’s setting. “I honestly don’t know other than it’s the tremendous writing and storytelling of Taylor Sheridan,” Hauser said. “He created unbelievable characters, and I think people forget how beautiful the Old West is.”
The emotional connection fans feel to the series’ setting is now driving new trends in travel planning. Duckworth highlighted that audiences aren’t just visiting scenic spots—they’re seeking to live the same lifestyle depicted on screen. “Fans want to feel like they are their favorite characters by visiting the exact places they see on their screens,” he said. This desire for immersion has led to a preference for remote or luxury accommodations, turning destinations like Yellowstone into bucket-list experiences.
As Taylor Sheridan’s franchise moves south to Texas with the new series “Dutton Ranch,” Hauser described the shift as an exciting new chapter. “God, this next iteration, I mean, it has such new challenges,” he said, hinting at the potential for Texas to become a new focal point for fans. The actor’s personal journey—from Montana to the sprawling plains of Texas—mirrors the show’s evolution, blending family heritage with contemporary storytelling.
Duckworth pointed out that the trend of set-jetting is not limited to “Yellowstone.” “Any TV show or movie that takes place in a gorgeous setting can ignite this phenomenon,” he explained. However, the show’s success in Montana has set a precedent, demonstrating how television can reshape perceptions of a region and drive economic and cultural growth. “The more remote or luxurious the stay, the more it truly becomes a bucket list destination,” he continued, suggesting that the global demand for such experiences will only increase.
Hauser’s insights into the show’s development offer a glimpse into the broader narrative of its expansion. “We were just in Europe, and it’s amazing to watch, you know, the Germans dress up as cowboys, the English,” he said, illustrating how the series has become a shared cultural touchstone. The actor’s own travels have reinforced his belief in the show’s power to unite audiences through its portrayal of a timeless American frontier. “It’s not just about the landscapes or the characters—it’s about the feeling of place that resonates with people,” he concluded, highlighting the enduring appeal of the story.
With “Dutton Ranch” set to continue the legacy of “Yellowstone,” the franchise’s reach is likely to grow even further. Hauser’s family history in Montana and the show’s global following suggest that the series will remain a powerful force in shaping how audiences experience the American West. Whether through the iconic vistas of Yellowstone or the new settings in Texas, the show’s ability to blend personal and collective memory ensures its place as a cultural milestone.
