The serial came about due to a newspaper circulation war in Chicago that forced the "Chicago Tribune" to use more sensationalism. William Selig, noting the popularity of serial fiction in newspapers and magazines, took the idea of a "film" serial to the newspaper. Despite the Tribune being in favor of abolishing nickelodeons only 5 years previously, Tribune editor James Keeley agreed and the serial was released as a promotional project. The chapters of the film were released biweekly and the story was also printed as a newspaper serial in the Tribune and other newspapers including the "Los Angeles Times".