Matt dillon who was he was he a real sheriff?

Matt Dillon is a fictional character and the central figure in the American television series "Gunsmoke," which aired from 1955 to 1975. He was portrayed by actor James Arness and served as the U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, Kansas. While Dillon was not a real sheriff, the show was inspired by the Old West and featured stories and characters reminiscent of that era.