Jane Seymour was given the script at 7:00AM and to decide the next day by 10:00AM if she wanted to to do the show. Less than 12 hours later, at 6:00AM, Jane was on set and filming began.
Joe Lando who played Byron Sully insisted on doing almost all his own stunts. He said doing his own stunt work made the character feel more real to him. In addition, Joe admitted some stunts such as eating worms and running on top of a moving train were things he would probably never have an opportunity to do again.
Three of the cast members were born and raised in Illinois: Joe Lando who played Byron Sully was born in Chicago, Jim Knobeloch who played Jake Slicker was born in Belleville, and Frank Collison who played Horace was born in Evanston.