During World War I, Vauquois was the site of violent mine warfare. The German army captured La Butte de Vauquois on 24 September 1914, after which the hill was fortified by the Germans. In March 1915, the French recaptured the southern half of the destroyed village of Vauquois. From that moment on, trench warfare began. Both armies dug in and the battle moved underground. On both sides, tunnels were dug under enemy lines, in which large quantities of explosives were placed and detonated. These huge mine craters still dominate the landscape today.

On 26 September 1918, the Americans finally recaptured the hill and the battle of Vauquois came to an end .