Hans Christoph Friedrich Graf von Hacke

In 1715, at the age of sixteen, Hacke went to join the army of the Soldier King, Frederick William I of Prussia, and at 6'3" tall was assigned the 6th Royal Regiment, the Potsdam Giants.

In 1740, he was appointed Royal Adjutant General, making him one of the most significant figures in the King's circle and one of the most influential officers.

On 10 November 1749, Frederick II named Hacke the Stadtkommandant of Berlin, giving him the added responsibilities of personnel decisions, public policy, the timber trade and press censorship.

Under Hacke's leadership, new houses and streets were built on what had previously been swamp land, and a spacious square was set out here.

As a sign of his absolute satisfaction with the work, and in recognition of Hacke's services, the King commanded the square to be named the Hackescher Markt.