Created by Sherwood Schwartz, it has been said that the show's early failure was due to the fact that it was too similar to Bob Denver's earlier series Gilligan's Island (1964), also created by Schwartz. Denver plays a character very similar to that of Gilligan. In addition, there is a wagon train leader (similar to the Skipper), the Brookhavens, a rich couple (the Howells), Lulu, a saloon entertainer (Ginger), Betsy, a sweet young girl traveling alone (Mary Ann), and Andy, a bright young man who easily figures things out (the Professor). With "Gilligan's Island" in constant reruns, people preferred to tune in to that series rather than this one.
Both of the girls traveling with the wagon train (Jeannine Riley and Lori Saunders) played daughters to Kate Bradley on Petticoat Junction (1963), though not at the same time.
Callahan's horse is named "Blarney". Dusty's horse is named "Freckles".
After it was canceled following its one and only season, four episodes were used to create a feature film, "The Wackiest Wagon Train In The West" which bombed. Currently the film, as well as all of the episodes of the TV series, are in the public domain.