[3] Settled mainly by settlers from the upland south (Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee), the township was named after the Rocky Fork branch of the Roche Perche Creek, which was in turn named after a large rock shelf at the confluence of the two streams.

The Battle of Mount Zion Church occurred in this township during the American Civil War.

Bourbon Township covers an area on the northeast side of Boone County.

There are at least seven major cemeteries located within its area including: Red Top, Hicks, Kincaid, and Palmer.

The main waterway is the Rocky Fork Creek, after which the township is named.