Damascus was the setting for many significant historic events in Wayne County history beginning with the first settlement at Cushetunk along the Delaware River.

Joseph Skinner and his family of eight children were among the earliest of the Connecticut settlers who arrived about 1755 although unsubstantiated stories place Moses Thomas there as early as 1750.

In addition, these early inhabitants were also beset by attacks by Indians who also laid claim to the territory.

The eastern township boundary is the Delaware River, which also forms the border with the state of New York.

The Callicoon, Cochecton–Damascus and Skinners Falls–Milanville bridges connect the township with the towns of Delaware and Cochecton in Sullivan County across the river.