The first settlements, outside of what is now Shickshinny, were erected by George Fink and Peter Gregory in 1790.

Most of the white settlers, fearing Iroquois raids, fled their homes after the Battle of Wyoming in 1778.

Several white farmers and loggers returned a few years later to rebuild; this included Shadrick Austin, who bought 256 acres (1.04 km2) of land.

In 1850, William Koons moved into the area and occupied the Austin family Inn.

The northern half of the municipality is made up of hills and small farming communities (e.g., Muhlenburg and Town Line).

17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Union Township is part of the Northwest Area School District.