The division was recruited primarily in the Prussian Province of Westphalia and two small principalities in the Westphalian region, Lippe-Detmold and Schaumburg-Lippe.
The division then fought in the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, where it was part of the Army of the Main (Main-Armee) and saw action in the engagements against Austria's south German allies, including the siege of the Bavarian fortress at Würzburg.
It participated in the initial German drive through Belgium and France, culminating in the First Battle of the Marne.
Later that year, beginning in September, the division saw action in the later phases of the Battle of the Somme.
Divisions received engineer companies and other support units from their higher headquarters.