In 1861, Texas invaded Arizona. The Confederate marauders came on the hot winds of the first summer of the Civil War, intent on capturing the western territories in a smash-and-grab campaign, but were stopped by severe supply shortages and the advancing “California Column” of Col. James Henry Carleton’s 2,000-plus Union brigade.
165 years later, the Texans have returned. On June 22, just off of Bullard Avenue in Goodyear, hundreds of eager beaver fans braved a sleepless night to be the first to enter the newest and most western-reaching outpost of Buc-ee’s.
The chain, which was started in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Alpin III and his business partner Don Wasek in Clute, Texas, has grown into a massive enterprise, fueled, literally, by hundreds of gas pumps, exclusive on-site merchandise, elevated gas station cuisine and a reputation for resplendent restrooms at each location…