The soldiers at Cronkhite manned gun batteries, radar sites, and other fortifications on the high ridges overlooking the fort.

With the rapid military buildup of the United States in the early 1940s, tens of thousands of temporary wooden structures had to be built by the army to house its growing ranks.

[5] Fort Cronkhite was discontinued as a United States Army installation effective 10 September 1974 by General order Number 25.

Visitors to Fort Cronkhite can take walking tours of the former army buildings and hike the many trails located in the area.

Fort Cronkhite is also the location of the Golden Gate region of the National Park partner NatureBridge, an environmental and outdoor education organization for youth.