It is an archaeological site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[3] Franklin Township occupies the northwestern portion of Adams County.

The western and northern portions of the township are covered by several ridges that make up South Mountain, the northern extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

U.S. Route 30, the Lincoln Highway, passes through the center of the township, around the northern edges of the unincorporated communities of Cashtown and McKnightstown.

18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[7] Franklin Township Elementary School has an Orrtanna post office address,[8] but is physically in the Cashtown CDP.