Top of the peninsula gave a small sandbank formed west of the mouth of the Vistula River, hence its name in the seventeenth century West Platte. For two hundred years the action of the river and sediment deposition combined stranding of the eastern mouth of the river.
Peninsula was repeatedly lot of battles, due to its strategic position, which became part of the Polish and world history.
In 1733 the two clashed here at that time powers of Europe - France and Russia. Free election in Poland gave the two candidates, Leszczynski supported by France and supported Augustus III of Russia. News of choice Leszczynski was received with great enthusiasm by the Gdańsk. The joy did not last long, Leszczynski had to flee the country under pressure from the army Russo-Saxon king was elected Augustus III supported by the Tsar. Leszczynski hid in Gdansk hoping to send troops to help the French. Airborne landed on the peninsula of Westerplatte 12 May 1734 year was a very poor one to break the cordon forces besieging Gdańsk Russians. French troops Lamotte General de la Peirouze ordered the retreat. Copenhagen returning ships met with the second part of the trip, traveling to Gdansk help. French envoy in Denmark - Count Louis de Pllo, found opposite the French flag vessel for dishonor. On its own initiative, the leader of a small flotilla of 2,500 troops sailed on Westerplatte. French troops attacked with a vengeance on the enemy, but the superior forces of the enemy and difficult terrain attack broke down. 500 were killed in combat cockroaches among whom was Count de Pllo.
During the Napoleonic Wars, the Westerplatte peninsula was once again the scene of the fighting. After the second partition of Polish in 1793, Gdańsk came under Prussian rule. In 1807, Napoleon's army, along with Polish troops, besiege Gdańsk. Are sent to the rescue Russian soldiers transported the English fleet. Landing lands in the vicinity of the Westerplatte and Wisloujscie Fortress. In repelling the attack the main role was played by Polish troops. In the repulse of the greatest achievements suffered Polish troops, occupying win heavy losses. At Wisloujscie May 15, 1807 she fell hit by rifle bullet in the chest, leading his squad to attack, a young and brave Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Parys.
In 1918, Poland regains its independence. Gdańsk in the signed June 28, 1919 in Versailles peace treaty granted the status of the Free City, is under the care of the League of Nations. Poland also received the right to use the port of Gdansk, including transportation by him all kinds of military equipment and explosives. In March 1924, the Council of the League of Nations has designated for this purpose Westerplatte peninsula. Under the pretext of a courtesy visit to the Gdansk port 25 August 1939 the school received a battleship "Schleswig-Holstein". September 1 at. 4.45 battleship shelling of Westerplatte triggered World War II.