No, this isn’t a tourist attraction near Tucson that I’m recommending. Not at all. This is the Fort Kelly only known to the folks at Caballo Loco Ranch. I probably don’t have all the dates correct, but it’s a fun story I wanted to tell you.
Fort Kelly at Caballo Loco Ranch
If you are a long time reader of this blog you may already know that Caballo Loco Ranch has been here a good long while, and back in the 70’s and 80’s it was known as Wild Horse Ranch. Back then it was mostly rockhounds who frequented this place, and the love of rocks is still evident everywhere you look around here. The happy rock hounds built rock retainer walls, various enclosures, and walls and just about anything you might think of, out of rocks they found locally. I’ve posted pictures here in the past.
But the most interesting structure standing is what is now known as Fort Kelly.
Complete with turrets.
it was built back in the 80’s by Roger Kelly who still lives here at CLR now, at around age 90. He’s moved his living quarters to another site and Fort Kelly is now a community project. The grounds have been spruced up and a shed was moved ( by the excellent shed movers around here!) next to it.
Notice the shed behind the fort?
Someone donated a deluxe grill,
Someone built a bar while someone else donated old bar stools and yet another person spiffed them up with some new Naugahyde.
This is the potato canyon. This was part of the original fort and they say it still works, so don’t come by unannounced. JUST KIDDING!
There is also a fire pit and Christmas type lights for night time activities.
No fort is complete without the flag, and this one now has a solar light hooked up to it so it’s lighted at night, good and proper.
Lots of us went together to lease the site. Pretty nice, huh?
We’ve always used it for ‘happy hour’ aka ‘social hour’ but now it’s also used as an option to the clubhouse for whatever party anyone can think up. The most recent addition is a hitching post for those who arrive by horseback.
It’s got a nice tree inside it for some shade. Look at that stone work!
C’mon in! Dogs are allowed too! Yay!
Wandering Spirit 
OMG…I LOVE it…can’t wait to see it in person!!!
Lots of fun. We had a Margarita party there last evening. 😊
Will look forward to seeing the fort inperson after casita gathering ❤️🍷
Cool Sharron! Looking forward to your visit. I texted you again.
This is just excellent! I love that folks are sprucing it up and finding new uses.
Hi Marcia, really nice community minded folks here.
What a great place! Looks like lots of fun!
It really is Cathy!
Great post! The potato canon worked when I was there. Have you had a chance to check out the flea market?
What Flea Market is that DJ?
By the old pro baseball fields.
Looks fun! So glad the community is taking over the care of it now that it’s creator is getting up in years.
Yes Dawn. We use it all the time so why should he pay the rent and all? And he still gets to enjoy it as much as ever, too.
Looks great Micky – love all the additions!
Hi Patty. It has a real ‘boys playing in their fort’ feel to it.