It was formed in 1801, when the Subalpine Republic (formerly the mainland portion of the Kingdom of Sardinia) was intended to be annexed to France.

The department was disbanded after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814.

At the Congress of Vienna, the Savoyard King of Sardinia was restored in all his previous realms and domains, including Piedmont.

Its territory is now divided between the Italian provinces of Vercelli and Biella.

The department was subdivided into the following arrondissements and cantons (situation in 1812):[1] Its population in 1812 was 202,733, and its area was 335,118 hectares.