It was named in honor of Alexander Jordan, who was president judge of the district court at the time of the formation of the township.

William Lore cleared a parcel of land and established a homestead; others soon followed his footsteps.

The lumber industry was very important in Jordan Township for the first 70 years of its history.

There are three unincorporated communities in Jordan Township: Biggerstown is near the center, Lungerville is in the north, and Unityville is near the southeast border.

PA 239 runs through the northern part of the township, passing through Lungerville.

It leads southeastward 25 miles (40 km) to Shickshinny on the Susquehanna River and has its northwestern terminus at PA 42 in neighboring Franklin Township.

Williamsport, the Lycoming county seat, is 29 miles (47 km) west of Jordan Township.