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Origin and history

The Napoleonic bench-rest of Lochwiller, dated the 3rd quarter of the 19th century, is part of an Alsatian tradition of public monuments designed for the rest of peasants when they travel to markets. These benches, often accompanied by lime trees, allowed to lay the burdens (baskets worn on the head or dorsal hoods) and rest in the shade. Their design met a practical need while embodying a commemorative will linked to the Napoleonic Empire.

The first Alsatian benches date back to 1811-1812, initiated by Prefect Adrien de Lezay-Marnesia to celebrate the birth of the King of Rome (son of Napoleon I). A circular dated 22 April 1811 directed the municipalities to erect these monuments every 500 metres along the roads, combining public utility and imperial propaganda. The costs were borne by the municipalities, some reluctant because of the local relief. Approximately 125 banks were built that year, but few survived.

A second wave of constructions took place in 1853-1854, under the impetus of Prefect Auguste-César West and Empress Eugénie de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. This time, the department took over the costs, facilitating the erection of 448 Vosges sandstone benches. These monuments commemorated imperial marriage and sought to stimulate an Alsatian economy weakened by the crisis of 1846-1848. Despite their number, many were damaged by the weather or neglected after 1870, during German annexation.

The bank of Lochwiller, registered with the Historical Monuments since 1988, belongs to this lineage. Its typical model includes a top slab for loads and a lower bench, often surrounded by terminals and trees. After 1906, the German authorities judged these banks obsolete, eliminating their maintenance due to the evolution of agricultural practices (disappearance of portage on the head in favour of carts). Today, it bears witness to both rural social history and Napoleonic memorial policies in Alsace.

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