In fact the story of the hussar casern began 107 years ago. The German Emperor Wilhelm II had promised the ladies of the so called “silk city” Krefeld to send them a few lieutenants because they didn’t have anyone to dance with. After that Wilhelm II arranged for the relocation of the regiment from Düsseldorf to Krefeld on 21st February, 1902.

On 27th June, 1902 the responsible city councillor decided to purchase the ground for the casern. The construction was started by the government-approved masterbuilder Mr. Knoch and Mr. Kallmeyer in 1904. The building plan indeed was constructed by the imperial War Ministry. The casern included: a drill ground, riding ring with stables, provision department, a warehouse and an officer’s canteen. To improve the link road between the casern and the town centre the street network of Krefeld was expanded and Krefeld became the Garrison town.    

In the middle of the place where once was the imperial riding place is at the present the KönigPalast. Certainly the promise of the Emperor Wilhelm II to the ladies was not only the motive for the construction of the casern. Moreover were there other significant reasons for the building. One of them was the War Ministry of Berlin who intended to become the garrison town, too.

Therefore Krefeld bared the cost of 2,4 Million Deutsche Mark, today 70 Million Euro. But Krefeld was able to afford this expense.