It was founded on 1 August 1812, during the French invasion of Russia, from the territory of the Courland Governorate, and existed until 20 December 1812.

On 18 July, the 10th Corps of the Grand Army, commanded by marshal Étienne Macdonald, have occupied the town of Bauska, and the next day, it have deafted the Russian troops in the battle of Ekau.

[1][2] On 1 August 1812, was issued a decree annoucing the formation of the Duchy of Courland, Semigallia and Pilten, with the capital in Jelgava, and the boundaries of the former governorate.

On 26 August, by the order of duke Hugues-Bernard Maret, in Jelgava and Liepāja were established French consulates.

[1][2] On 28 November, marshal Macdonald received news of the retreat of Napoleon's main forces from Russia and ordered his troops to withdraw from Courland.