The 1930s were a financially difficult time for Med Arnold, the grandson of the town’s founder, Isaac Roop. In a desperate need of funds, on October 8, 1936, Arnold put Roop’s iconic landmark up for sale. This in turn spurred a grass roots campaign movement to raise funds. In May 1937, the City of Susanville purchased it.
Some thought that property could also be developed for a sorely needed children’s playground. While the city thought was admirable, it had no funds to make it a reality. Then there was issue that fort, which been used a hay barn and storage, had fallen into a disrepair. Since, it was the town’s oldest structure, it was deemed the foremost priority to do the needed repairs and new roof. The community once again rose to the occasion, and volunteers came to the rescue.
In 1974, Roop’s Fort was entered into the National Register of Historic Places.