OKLAHOMA CITY – The True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma will become a reality now that House Bill 1411 has been signed into law by the governor.

Rep. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton is the author of the legislation.

"I think everyone in Oklahoma and probably in the nation is familiar with the story of 'True Grit,' either from the novel written by Charles Portis or through the movie adaptations," Grego said. "Because the story takes place partly in Oklahoma, we thought it would be great to memorialize this trail and perhaps attract some additional tourism to this area. Oklahoma already has popular golf and fishing trails as well as a new Civil Rights Trail. This will add to the reasons for people to come and visit our great state."

HB 1411 creates the True Grit Trail in eastern Oklahoma. The measure requires the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) to post signs along Oklahoma state highways directing visitors to sites along the trail. Towns and places of interest along the trail include: Sallisaw, Spiro, Bokoshe, McCurtain, Kinta, Quinton, Krebs, McAlester, Hartshorne, Wilburton, Red Oak, Bengal, Talihina, Robbers Cave State Park, and the Talimena National Scenic Byway. ODOT and the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department will be required to collaborate to maintain information regarding the True Grit Trail on an online platform.

"True Grit" follows the story of 14-year-old Mattie Ross who hires U.S. Marshall Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn and a Texas Ranger to avenge the murder of her father. The trio trace the murderous gang into what was known as "Indian Territory" in 1878. The movie role of Rooster Cogburn was first played by John Wayne in 1969 and in a 2010 remake by Jeff Bridges. Kim Darby played the original Mattie Ross. Hailee Steinfeld played the character in the 2010 film.

Sen. Warren Hamilton, R-McCurtain, is the Senate author of the bill.