Designed by Heinrich Strack, the column was initially intended to celebrate Prussia's victory in the Second Schleswig War against Denmark that same year. By the time the column was finished in 1873, Prussia was also celebrating victories in the Austro-Prussian War in 1866, and the Franco-Prussian War from 1870 to 1871.

The Siegessäule, or Berlin Victory Column, was designed by Heinrich Strack and completed in 1873 to commemorate the Prussian victories in the "Unification Wars" against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1871). The column is famously topped by an 8.3-meter bronze statue of Victoria, the goddess of victory, whom locals affectionately call "Goldelse" (Golden Lizzy). Originally, the monument stood in the Königsplatz in front of the Reichstag. However, during the Nazi era in 1938-1939, the column was moved to its current location at the center of the Großer Stern roundabout in the Tiergarten as part of Albert Speer's plans to transform Berlin into "Germania." This move actually saved the column from destruction during World War II, as it was further away from the intense bombing targets of the city center. Today, it stands as a major tourist landmark and a symbol of Berlin's resilience, offering a 285-step climb to an observation deck with panoramic views of the city.