The first settlement in modern-day Newport Township was established by Major Prince Alden in 1772.

A few years later, his sons (Mason and John) erected a forge on Nanticoke Creek.

One of the first stores in the territory was established by Jacob Ramback; it was constructed on a road between Wanamie and Nanticoke.

Alden, Glen Lyon, and Wanamie were just a few of the mining villages in the township.

Industry, which included manufacturing and coal mining, drew thousands of immigrants (mostly from Europe) to the region.

Consumers were gradually switching from coal to other forms of energy (e.g., oil, gas, and electricity).

In the following months, two of the area's largest coal companies announced a full withdrawal from the anthracite business.

Thousands of jobs were lost and the mining industry never recovered in Luzerne County.

In 1986, State Correctional Institute at Retreat opened in northwestern Newport Township, replacing the mental hospital.

Most of the people live in the basin of Newport Creek, which flows northeast from Glen Lyon to the Susquehanna River (in Nanticoke).

The State Correctional Institute at Retreat is in a remote area of the municipality (along the Susquehanna River).