The small fort (petit ouvrage) at Bois Karre was constructed as part of the Maginot Line in 1933. Its firepower includes 3 twin machine guns, 47mm anti-tank guns and a turret machine gun. Three observation cupolas provided views of the local terrain.
The fort saw little or no action in World War II and was released by the French Army in the 1960s. A local group has started restoration work on the fort which also includes dormitories and a kithen for the garrison of around 80 men. Some ventilation and electrical plant also survives.
A local group named the Association Ligne Maginot du Secteur Fortifié du Bois de Cattenom (LMSFBC) opens the site for occasional visits