Located in the central part of the county, it borders the following townships: A small portion of the city of Sidney, the county seat of Shelby County, is located in southeastern Turtle Creek Township.

The unincorporated communities of Hardin, St. Patrick, and Uno are located in the township's northwest.

The first village in Shelby County Ohio was Hardin (named after Colonel John Hardin), which was platted October 5, 1816; after the county was organized in 1819, it became the seat of justice and the first Court of Common Pleas, and session of the County Commissioners was held there.

The Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis Railroad established a railroad crossing called "Hardin Station" one mile south of the village.

[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.