The town of Brevik lies about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the south of Porsgrunn, just north of Heistad.

[5][6][7] In the 18th century, Porsgrunn was the home of some of Norway's most influential families at the time, such as the Aalls, Cappelens, Løvenskiolds, and Deichmans.

On the ecclesiastical side, Porsgrunn was separated from the ancient rural parishes of Eidanger, Solum, and Gjerpen in 1764 to become a prestegjeld with its own minister.

The sculpture, which is one of Jørleif Uthaug's best known works, has a nautical theme in honor of Porsgrunn's maritime history.

Under the formannskapsdistrikt law of 1838 it received full local self-government control similar to all other municipalities of Norway.

Prior to 1964, the town was governed by a municipal council of directly elected representatives Norwegian: Bystyre.