In the summer of 2024, members of the True Grit Trail facilitated the joining of two significant cities in the story of  True Grit the novel, and the 1969 movie "True Grit" to become "Partner Cities."

 

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the town where author Charles Portis set in motion his protagonist, Mattie Ross along with Marshal Rooster Cogburn to find her father's murderer, Tom Chaney.

 

Ridgway, Colorado, is the location chosen by director Henry Hathaway to become Fort Smith in his 1969 movie, "True Grit."

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Members of the True Grit Trail posse worked with Chambers of Commerce in both towns to draft resolutions establishing the Partner Cities relationship. 

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Future plans include bringing other True Grit locations into the program. 

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