How Well Do You Know "F Troop"?

The American frontier in the late 19th century is typically portrayed as lawless and chaotic. These qualities earned this period the name the Wild West.

Fort Courage is a stockade style fort with wooden palisades. Beside the fort, a little town sits by the same name where soldiers like to hang out when they're off duty.

It took General Sam Courage 40 years to rise through the ranks of the military. That was common for lifetime military men prior to the Civil War.

The Civil War devastated the United States. Not only did it divide the country, but it divided neighbors and families as well.

Captain Wilton Parmenter is a courageous leader, a fitting quality for Fort Courage. However, he does seem to be clueless at times, leading his soldiers without much thought.

A scourge is a whip used for punishment. Although Captain Parmenter received the nickname "Scourge of the West," he wasn't exactly known as a disciplinarian.

The Hekawis aren't a large and prosperous tribe. In fact, they seem to be contained to one small village that isn't very easy to get to.

Characters from the show often seek advice from Chief Wild Eagle. He always leaves them with some wise Indian saying like "tepee never empty when frost on nose of buffalo."

Wild Eagle often comes off as blunt and cranky. However, he's actually friendly and helpful when others get to know him.

Wild Eagle was played by Frank de Kova. His portrayal of the Indian chief was his best known television role.

Wilton Parmenter's family has a long history in the military. When questioned, the captain is more than happy to name off all of the members who served.

Captain Parmenter courageously leads his soldiers against the Hekawis whenever they attack. Little does he know, the attacks are staged by Sergeant O'Rourke and Chief Wild Eagle, who actually have a peace treaty.

The treaty between Sergeant O'Rourke and Chief Wild Eagle allows O'Rourke to scheme ways to make money. Many of his schemes are on the soldiers stationed at Fort Courage.

Charlie is the town drunk who often hangs out at the saloon for obvious reasons. The part, which involved many stunts, was played by Harvey Parry, who was in his 60s by then.

There was a running gag in the show where Corporal Agarn would give a response and Sergeant O'Rourke would reply, "Agarn, I don't know why everyone says you're so dumb." Only later would Agarn ask, "Who says I'm dumb?"

Corporal Agarn is the only soldier who wears a white hat. He often uses that hat to smack troopers when he's frustrated with them.

Corporal Agarn has many relatives from various countries including Canada and Russia. The same actor, Larry Storch, plays all of the relatives.

A bugle is a brass instrument controlled by the player's embouchure. Traditionally, it has been a popular instrument in the U.S. military.

The song "Yankee Doodle" dates back to before the American Revolution. In fact, it was once used by British soldiers to mock colonial soldiers.

Private Dobbs is from the American South, where he learned to use a lasso. He's occasionally described as a "mama's boy."

Daphne Parmenter comes to visit her brother at Fort Courage. When she arrives, she develops a crush on Private Dobbs.

Trooper Vanderbilt is the lookout, but he's pretty much blind. He even has trouble seeing with glasses, which isn't a very good sign for Fort Courage.

In another episode, Trooper Vanderbilt thought turkeys were Indians. Clearly, Fort Courage needs a new lookout.

Trooper Vanderbilt inspected bustles at the dress factory. Bustles were used to support the drapery on the back of a woman's dress.

Trooper Duffy claims that he fought beside Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. Both men were killed at the Alamo.

Trooper Duffy's service record is part of what makes him so interesting. Just like the stories he tells, he's a tall tale himself.

"Wrangler" Jane isn't your typical lady. She's more accustomed to wearing buckskins and a cowboy hat than a dress.

Often, "Wrangler" Jane will help defend Fort Courage. She's actually a better shot than most of the soldiers.

Throughout the show, "Wrangler" Jane is determined to marry Captain Parmenter. He, on the other hand, struggles to return the affection.

The Hekawi tribe left Massachusetts when the Pilgrims arrived. The name of their tribe comes from when they got lost on that journey and asked, "Where the heck are we?"

O'Rourke Enterprises use the Hekawis to produce multiple products, including Indian souvenirs and whiskey. The Hekawis are tough negotiators, but both sides eventually decide on fair terms.

Crazy Cat is determined to become chief of the Hekawis. However, each time he makes a comment, Wild Eagle puts him in his place.

The Hekawis are a self-described peaceful tribe. They even claim to be "the proud descendants of cowards."

The RoarChick test is named after the Rorschach test. The Rorschach test consists of a series of drawings which are used to determine a person's psychological makeup.

Depending on the episode, Trooper Hoffenmueller only speaks German or English with a German accent. He also claims to be fluent in several Indian languages, but since he rarely speaks English, his interpreting skills aren't useful.