[3] Located in the southern part of the county, it borders the following townships: Part of Lima is located in northeastern Shawnee Township.

Fort Shawnee is located in the township's eastern sections; currently unincorporated, it was a village until its dissolution in 2012.

[4] One historic site in the township, the Griffith Breese Farm, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

[5] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.