life at the fort was generally routine. a changing of the guard took place several times per day. at night, five large guard dogs roamed the fort's exterior. the fort's blacksmith spent much of his time mending cherokee guns and tools. the garrison provided most of its own food through hunting, fishing and farming, though some food was acquired from the cherokees (some soldiers had cherokee wives). sixty women and children, dependents of the soldiers, lived in the fort.