[2] The township was named after Maj. Samuel Ringgold, a hero of the Battle of Palo Alto in the Mexican–American War.

Unincorporated communities in the township include Ringgold, Dora, and North Freedom.

The entire township lies in the Allegheny River watershed.

As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 764 people, 305 households, and 228 families residing in the township.

21.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.