While intricate plans were made for the fort, few services remained for more than a few months.  Parson Steele was appointed the first regular chaplain on March 24, 1757, but left shortly thereafter. A hospital opened on February 10, 1757, but Dr. John Morgan complained to Major Burd that there was a lack of fresh water, provisions, and vegetables. Therefore the sick were transported across the river to Fort Hunter.  Sixteen cannon were housed in the fort, but other supplies were meager and soldiers were not often paid as promised.  Even officers went underpaid.  At one time twenty-six soldiers were held in confinement for rebellion after not receiving their pay.

Although it stood for forty years and was the largest fort built during the French and Indian War, it was never attacked. In 1778 it served as a sanctuary for refugees during the American Revolution and throughout the war served as a base for operations and supplies. The supplies proved especially useful during Sullivan’s expedition against the Iroquois in 1779.

After the Revolutionary War the fort slowly began to deteriorate. Since it was no longer necessary for military purpose or defense, its budgets were cut and it was dismantled in 1794. Colonial Samuel Hunter lived in what was originally the colonel’s quarters until his death in 1784 and his family remained there after his death until 1848 when the log house was burnt down by a disgruntled servant of Captain Samuel Hunter, his grandson. The Hunter mansion was built in its stead.