Wagon Train is an American Western series that aired 8 seasons: first on the NBC television network (1957–1962), and then on ABC (1962–1965). Wagon Train debuted on September 18, 1957, and became number one in the Nielsen ratings. It is the fictional adventure story of a large westbound wagon train through the American Old West, from Missouri to California. Its format attracted different famous guest stars per episode, as travelers or as residents of the settlements they encountered. The show initially starred supporting film actor Ward Bond as the wagon master (replaced after his abrupt death in 1960 by supporting film actor John McIntire) and Robert Horton as the scout (eventually replaced by similar-looking Western television star Robert Fuller when Horton opted to leave the series). The series was inspired by the 1950 film Wagon Master and by the 1930 early widescreen film The Big Trail. The series influenced the development of Star Trek, pitched as "Wagon Train to the stars" and launched in 1966. Overview The series chronicles the adventures of a wagon train from St. Joseph, Missouri, across the plains of the Midwestern United States and the Rocky Mountains to Sacramento, California. It features the trials of the series regulars, who conducted the train through the American West. Episodes revolve around the stories of guest characters portraying members of the massive wagon train or encountered by it. Many starring roles were played by already extremely famous actors such as Bette Davis, Lee Marvin, Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan, Ann Sheridan, Charles Laughton, Peter Lorre, Barbara Stanwyck, Mickey Rooney, Lon Chaney Jr. and Joseph Cotten. Episode titles routinely emphasize the guest characters, such as "The Nancy Palmer Story" and "The Vivian Carter Story". As a favor to Ward Bond, film director John Ford joined the show to direct a 1960 segment titled "The Colter Craven Story", which includes many members of the "John Ford Stock Company", momentarily featuring John Wayne speaking from the shadows and billed in the credits as "Michael Morris". Cast The regular cast includes: Ward Bond as wagon master Major Seth Adams (1957–61, seasons 1–4). Bond died of a heart attack in the middle of the fourth season, and was replaced by John McIntire as wagon master. No explanation was ever given on the show. Robert Horton as scout Flint McCullough (1957–62, seasons 1–5). John McIntire as Christopher Hale (1961–65, seasons 4–8), replacing Bond as wagon master