In the early 19th century, Perry Township was part of the western frontier, and immigrant families carved farms out of the forested hills.

In the late 19th century, oil and gas was discovered here, bringing considerable prosperity to many of the township's residents.

Perry Township is in southern Greene County and is bordered to the south by the state of West Virginia.

Mount Morris, the largest community in the township, is in the southeast in the valley of Dunkard Creek, an eastward-flowing tributary of the Monongahela River.

Interstate 79 passes through the eastern side of the township, with access from Exit 1 at Mount Morris.