Movie writer, Patricia MacLachlan said that the story was based on a true life event from her family's history.
John and Ada Bryan's old home served as the Whiting house. The Bryan's lived in the home from 1948 to 1960 before moving. Although they thought about selling the house, the couldn't bring themselves to do it, citing that their kids would never forgive them. Although the house was in very bad shape, it was remodeled by a movie company who wanted it to shoot a movie called "The Last Cattle Drive". Extensive renovations were completed, including enlarging the doors so camera equipment could come in and out. However, the movie plans were scrapped, but when a location scout for Sarah, Plain & Tall came upon the house, he knew he'd found an ideal location.
A long search was made to find working steam engine for Sarah's arrival. One was found at the Sturh Museum in Grand Island, Nebraska. The train was built in 1908 by the Baldwin Locamotive works. Unfortunately, the train needed extensive repairs before it's fires could be stoked. A timely contribution from the La nouvelle vie de Sarah (1991) production saved the day. However, the train has been preserved and is on display at the towns museum.
The gravestones for the small cemetery where Jacob's wife Katherine lay were hand-carved out of sheets of Styrofoam and then painted and stained to look like old headstones.
Exact filming location for this movie is 38.550262,-95.778648