The dispute found its way to the Supreme Court in Irvine v. Sims's Lessee (1799).

Charles Simms won the case and gained possession of the island.

It was eventually transferred to his partner in the lawsuit, General John Neville, for whom the island, and the township, is named.

Robert Morris University purchased the Island Sports Center in 2003.

The township boundary encompasses Neville Island and a surrounding portion of the Ohio River.

The island, nearly five miles long, is the largest by land area in Pennsylvania.

Across the river's main channel, Neville Township runs adjacent with (from northwest to southeast) Haysville, Glenfield (with the Neville Island Bridge as the direct link), Kilbuck Township, Emsworth, Ben Avon and Avalon.