A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Hunter graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1877 and was assigned to the Cavalry branch.

He performed duty throughout the western United States during the American Indian Wars, including expeditions and scouting missions in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

George King Hunter in Lancaster, Ohio, was born on April 6, 1855, the son of Lieutenant Colonel Henry B.

[4] In the summer of 1881, he was assigned to temporary duty as commander of the escort that traveled with a hunting party led by Randolph B. Marcy, who was then serving as Inspector General of the U.S.

[4] From May to April 1885, Hunter served with his regiment at Fort Bowie, Arizona, where he took part in several scouting missions to track Native Americans during Geronimo's War.

[4] From April to December 1885, he was posted to Cantonment Peña Colorada, in Brewster County, Texas, where he continued to take part in scouting missions.

[4] He continued to perform duty during the last of the American Indian Wars, including service on the Rio Grande frontier throughout 1892.

[4] At the start of the Spanish–American War in April 1898, Hunter was with his regiment when it was assigned to Camp Thomas, Georgia, for organization and training.

[4] After leaving Cuba, Hunter served with the 3rd Cavalry at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, then at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.

[4] From April to October 1903, Hunter served as inspector general for the Army's Department of the Visayas and was based in Iloilo.

[4] Hunter was promoted to temporary brigadier general on August 5, 1917, and was assigned to command the 164th Depot Brigade at Camp Funston, Kansas, where he remained until October.

[4] From November to December 1917, Hunter was assigned as president of the court-martial for the trial of Black soldiers who were accused of participating in the Houston riot of 1917.

From December 1917 to February 1918, Hunter was assigned to Camp Greene, North Carolina, where he commanded the 6th Infantry Brigade.

[4] Hunter was retired as a colonel on February 4, 1918, but requested recall to active duty for continued wartime service.