The present name, adopted in 1878, commemorates a Native American battle site located there.

15.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

About 5.4% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.5% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

Battle Plain Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Mankato educator Tim Walz, a Democrat.

At the state level, Battle Plain Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.