[3] The township was established on March 11, 1837, and was named after Thomas Hart Benton, U.S. senator from Missouri.

[6] The Benton Harbor city limits have since then extended to include the market.

US 31 follows parts of I-196, I-94, Napier Avenue, and all of the completed portion of the St. Joseph Valley Parkway within the township.

M-139 lies in the southwest of the township and runs from I-94 to a junction with Business Loop I-94 just east of Benton Harbor (the southbound direction begins on the Benton Harbor–Benton Township border).

29.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Point O'Woods Golf & Country Club is located in the township, just northwest of Millburg.

Sarett Nature Center, a 300-acre (1.2 km2) wildlife sanctuary which offers trails, an interpretative building, and classes, is located in the northern portion of the township.