Thorn Township was organized around 1804, and was so named on account of there being many thorny plants within its borders.

[5] Thorn Township borders Buckeye Lake, formerly known as the Licking Summit Reservoir.

[6] After a storm, the village fell into ruin, until a nearby railroad reestablished grain networks.

[7] Today, the northern edge of Thorn Township is composed of lake-side homes, many of which are owned by prosperous residents of nearby cities, such as Zanesville, Newark and Columbus.

[8] 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.