In addition to agriculture, the ready local supply of lumber attracted people to the area in the early 19th century.

Much of this was transported down the West Branch Susquehanna River to lumber towns such as Williamsport.

In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad opened up the area to coal mining.

The West Branch Susquehanna River flows northward through the western part of the township, having risen less than 10 miles (16 km) to the south near Carrolltown.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 28.0 square miles (72.6 km2), all of it land.