It was named after the river Scheldt (Escô, Schelde), which is called the Escaut in French.

It was created on 1 October 1795, when the Austrian Netherlands and the Prince-Bishopric of Liège were officially annexed by the French Republic.

[3] Before annexation by France, its territory was part of the County of Flanders and the Dutch Republic (Staats-Vlaanderen).

The Chef-lieu of the department was Ghent (Gand in French).

The Prefect was the highest state representative in the department.