Ralph Ward Jackson (7 June 1806 – 6 August 1880) was the founder of West Hartlepool and was the towns first MP in 1868.
The sculptor was Edward Onslow Ford
It was donated by Colonel J. W. Cameron, the founder of Camerons brewery to mark the jubilee of the opening of the towns first dock and harbour.
The statue was unveiled on 12th June 1897 by the Marquis of Londonderry.