Atomic Robot: Fort Courage Trading Post: A Piece of Route 66 History

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Fort Courage Trading Post: A Piece of Route 66 History

Written By Ken Hulsey

I've had such a blast reminiscing about my adventures in the Southwest over these last few months! While I've shared plenty about my time in California, New Mexico, and even dipped into Texas, I feel I’ve overlooked one incredible state: Arizona! I used to call it “the great land in between.” Although I never lived there, I practically grew up cruising down the legendary Route 66 and later Interstate 40, which cuts through the heart of Arizona.

Oh, the memories! I can still picture myself gazing out the window, savoring meals at roadside diners, and stopping at a zillion quirky tourist traps during our family summer road trips. Today, I want to shine a light on one of those unforgettable spots: the Fort Courage Trading Post in Houck, Arizona.

For those who remember, Fort Courage holds a special place in the hearts of fans of the 1960s Western comedy sitcom, *F Troop*, which aired on ABC from 1965 to 1966. Starring hilarious talents like Larry Storch, Ken Berry, and Forrest Tucker, the show was centered around a fictional military outpost called Fort Courage. To capitalize on the show’s popularity, the Fort Courage Trading Post was established in the early 1970s, eagerly welcoming families venturing into the region to experience the Wild West for themselves.

During its heyday in the ‘70s, Fort Courage was a lively destination for families driving from the East to California. Imagine a splendid replica of an 1860s army fort buzzing with energy! It featured a gas station, an Ortega's Tacos restaurant, a charming Pancake House, and several gift shops brimming with cowboy and Native American trinkets. The fort itself served as a whimsical museum, showcasing a pop-culture interpretation of life in the Wild West.

But as you can guess, a tourist attraction built around a 60s sitcom faced challenges over the years. Eventually, *F Troop* faded from prime time to syndication, and then into obscurity. By the ‘80s and ‘90s, Fort Courage shifted from a “must-see” to merely a stop to drive past on the highway. I can imagine families cruising along Interstate 40 asking one another, “What on earth is F Troop?” as they zoomed by, probably without a clue about this once-beloved site.

Today, sadly, the Fort Courage Trading Post stands abandoned, a shadow of its former self. There was a recent attempt to sell the location, but a fire tragically swept through, destroying many of its buildings. It’s heartbreaking to think that Fort Courage will soon fade into memory, left to wither beneath the relentless Arizona sun. Let’s keep the spirit of this quirky stop alive as we reminisce about its colorful history!