In June 1755, Lieutenant La Chauvignerie replaced Philippe-Thomas Chabert de Joncaire as the officer in charge of constructing Fort Machault (initially known as Fort d'Anjou). His construction efforts were set back by shortages of manpower and wood, resulting in sporadic construction and improvements until November 1758 when he was replaced by François-Marie Le Marchand de Lignery. During the French and Indian War, La Chauvignerie and Lignery left Fort Machault to relieve Fort Niagara when it was sieged by the British in July 1759. The battle resulted in the capture of La Chauvignerie, the death of Lignery, and the loss of Fort Niagara.