The large pentagonal fort was built of limestone, with walls surrounding a large open court. At an elevation of 420 meters, the fort was designed to overlook the railways
Montbéliard and
Delle, and to cover its neighbors,
Fort Lachaux and
Fort de Vézelois. Water was provided by a well and cistern. The garrison included 624 soldiers, 32 non-commissioned officers and 17 officers. Initial armament included 17 155mm long guns, 5 120mm long guns, 2 220mm mortars and several smaller weapons. In 1890 a large personnel shelter (
abri-caverne) was built north of the fort. In case of attack on Belfort, it was designated as an assembly place for reserves and as a shelter from bombardment. After 1893 the fort was linked to other forts around Belfort via the
Chemins de fer du Territoire de Belfort strategic railroad. The fort was modernized between 1908 and 1913, when it was clad with concrete cover. Defensive arrangements were modified, and a casemate, three machine gun turrets, and one turret each for 75 mm and 155 mm guns were added. ==World War II and present status==