Due to the popularity of The Waltons, ABC decided to take a chance on an animated program set around the turn of the century. It was one of three "serious" programs the network aired on Saturday mornings in 1974, the others being the prehistoric live-action drama Korg: 70,000 B.C.
Because The Waltons were popular, ABC decided to produce an animated series set during the early 20th century. This show was one of three "serious" programs aired by the network on Saturday mornings in 1974, alongside Korg: 70,000 B.C., a prehistoric drama.