It was built in 1790s as a part of a larger South-Eastern Finland fortification system to protect Saint Petersburg, the capital of Russian Empire.
The fortress was built around the area of the Battle of Utti that was fought during the Russo-Swedish War in 1789.
During the battle, Russians had noted that the narrow passage between the Haukkajärvi lake and the Haukkasuo bog was suitable for a fortress, as it was difficult to bypass.
Within the fortress were barracks, officers quarters, stables, guardhouse and gunpowder magazine.
The plans were never put in motion, as after the Finnish War the border was moved to the Gulf of Bothnia and the fortress system lost its importance.