[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2), all land.

Oreland, as part of Springfield Township, was settled as one of William Penn's manors.

In 1686, Thomas Fitzwater discovered vast lime deposits on his land in Oreland.

The village of Oreland was not laid out until 1889 near the North Penn Railroad running along the east side of town (currently SEPTA's Lansdale/Doylestown Line).

The actual tracks, which still connect to SEPTA's Lansdale/Doylestown Line, end near the corner of Montgomery Avenue and Lyster Road.

Emlen House served as George Washington's headquarters while in neighboring Whitemarsh from November 2 until December 11, 1777 during the Revolutionary War .

In 1956, it was purchased by Edward Piszek, founder of Mrs. Paul's Kitchens, a frozen seafood company.

Oreland is one of four towns that shares the Springfield Township Public School District.