From the year's 843 signing of the Treaty of Verdun, the location of the present commune fell within the territory of Middle Francia. Between 925–1542, it was part of the Duchy of Lorraine, within the Holy Roman Empire. From 1542-1766 it was in the independent Duchy of Lorraine. Between 1766-1871 it was incorporated into France.
Periodic wars between France and Germany led to the establishment of the frontier along the river Moselle. Between 1871–1918 the Imperial Territory of Alsace-Lorraine, including Petite-Rosselle, was annexed by the German Empire.
Petite-Roselle shares most of its history with Großrosseln (French: Grande-Rosselle). The united commune of Rosselle was founded in 1290, and the lesser and greater parts of the commune on either side of the river were legally separated in 1326. The river Rosselle marks the border between France and Germany.
Mining
Coal was discovered in the vicinity of the town in 1856 by the de Wendel family. Mining became the principal economic activity in the commune. Today all mining operations have closed, though several mines have been conserved for historical purposes as part of the Carreau Wendel Museum.[4]
