A question concerning the erection a monument in commemoration of fallen Swedish warriors on the battlefield for the first time was raised in Sweden in 1890 by then major Claus Grill.
Being in exchange service in Russian Army he had often been to Poltava and the battlefield.
In his article published in 1902 he made an appeal to the public for donations.
His idea to erect a monument on the last resting place of Charles' XII soldiers welcomed by HM King Oscar II initiated soon a fierce discussion in the press.
While one author considered this idea a shameful, another appealed for Christian mercy contending that fallen soldiers deserve a cross to be installed upon their last resting place.
Soon after that 5000 Swedish crown were collected over the country to order a big granite stone in Vonevik quarry in Smoland.
A following inscription in Russian and Swedish languages was cut out on its front and reverse side: "This stone was erected to the Swedes perished in 1709 by their compatriots in 1909".
Swedish businessman Emmanuel Nobel, who had been exploring oilfields in Baku, Azerbaidzhan at that time, assumed financial responsibility for delivery and installation of the monument.