Fort Tuthill facts for kids

Fort Tuthill is a cool place in Coconino County, Arizona. It used to be a training spot for the National Guard, which is a part of the United States armed forces. Now, it's a big county park where people can have fun and learn. Fort Tuthill is pretty high up, about 6,995 feet (2,132 m) above sea level! It's also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical site.

What is Fort Tuthill?

Fort Tuthill is a special place that has changed over time. It started as a military training camp and is now a popular park. This park offers many things for people to do, like attending fairs and visiting a museum. It's a great example of how old places can find new uses.

A Look Back: Fort Tuthill's Military Past

Fort Tuthill was built a long time ago, in 1930. Its main purpose was to be a training facility for soldiers called National Guardsmen. These soldiers would come from all over the southwestern United States to train here. During the summer months, the fort could host as many as 3,000 people! Imagine that many soldiers training and living together in one place. The fort was used for military training for about 18 years, closing its doors around 1948.

Fort Tuthill Today: A Park for Everyone

After its time as a military base, Fort Tuthill found a new life. It became a county park, which means it's a public space managed by the county government for everyone to enjoy. Today, it's also home to fairgrounds, where fun events and festivals often take place.

Even though it's not a military training base anymore, there's still a military connection. Luke Air Force Base, another important military site, uses a part of Fort Tuthill as a recreation area for military families. This means soldiers and their families can relax and have fun there.

The Fort Tuthill Military History Museum

If you want to learn more about the fort's past, you can visit the Fort Tuthill military history museum. This museum helps tell the story of the fort and the soldiers who trained there. It's a great way to see what life was like for the National Guardsmen and understand the fort's importance in history.

Recent Updates to the Park

In 2017, Fort Tuthill underwent some important changes. The site was renovated, which means it was updated and improved. The goal of this renovation was to bring back some of its historic look and feel. This helps visitors imagine what the fort was like when it was a busy military training center. The park continues to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors.