[3] The commune is separated from neighbouring Großrosseln to its west by the small river Rossel, which forms the border between France and Germany.

From the year's 843 signing of the Treaty of Verdun, the location of the present commune fell within the territory of Middle Francia.

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.

Following the Treaty of Versailles, Petite-Rosselle returned to French control and remained so until Nazi Germany again annexed the Moselle on 25 July 1940, incorporating it as CdZ-Gebiet Lothringen into the Gau Westmark.