The Hessen memorial in Linz was constructed to commemorate the approximately 5,000 fallen soldiers of Infantry Regiment No. 14 “Ernst Ludwig Großherzog von Hessen und bei Rhein” in World War I. Known under the name of “Hessen”, it was the home regiment of Linz since 1779. A self-named jury appraised ten designs and took the decision for that of Franz Forster. The academic sculptor born in St. Florian had himself been active as an officer with the Hessen Regiment. The artist Leopold Forstner implemented the design. The Helfenberger granite required for the purpose was made available by retired Lieutenant Colonel Graf Peter Revertera. The costs of 22,000 shillings for the construction were raised by the “Hessen” members themselves.
The memorial with a modern appearance has a base with four oblique stepped struts. This supports an octagonal buttress with three drums expanding upwards. The flattened surfaces indicate the military deeds of the regiment and the active persons whilst the base bears a commemorative inscription referencing the fallen soldiers of World War I, the artist of the memorial and the stonemason.