The fort is about 1 kilometre outside the Thiers Wall, built by the same program in response to a perception that Paris was vulnerable to invasion and occupation.

[2] During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 the fort was manned by a Fusiliers Marins battalion from Brest, commanded by naval Captain Krantz.

During the Paris Commune, which ensued after the withdrawal of the Prussians, the fort was occupied by local townspeople under the leadership of Colonel Rogowski.

[3] The Communards were threatened with attack by the French government's 3rd Versailles Corps and evacuated the fort during the night of 24/25 May, blowing up munitions and destroying nine casemates.

[2] Roger Degueldre, chief of the Commando Delta organization of the Organisation armée secrète, was executed by firing squad at the Fort d'Ivry on 6 July 1962.

[4] Jean Bastien-Thiry, found guilty of organizing an assassination attempt against French president Charles de Gaulle on 22 August 1962, was executed at the Fort d'Ivry on 11 March 1963.