Porter Township is the smallest in the county in point of area, having only 2,880 acres. It is named for David R. Porter, who was governor of the state at the time of its erection, May 6, 1840. It is bounded on the east by the Borough of Jersey Shore, on the west by Pine Creek, and on the south by the river. It is thus almost an island. The surface of the township is partly rolling, with steep, precipitous hills along Pine Creek.

Porter Township is historic ground and belonged to the "forbidden territory." It was governed in the early days by three "Fair Play Men" who were appointed for that purpose. It was completely depopulated at the time of the "Big Runaway," and some of the settlers who left then never returned. William McClure was one of those who did return. He was probably the first settler in what is now the township and was so pleased with the country that he made his way back after the great exodus. Among other early settlers were Thomas Nichols, Mohn McElwane, William and Jeremiah Morrison and Richard Salmon. James G. Ferguson was another prominent man in the early days who also served as an associate judge of the county.

One of the most influential men of the pioneer time was Dr. James Davidson, who lived a little below the mouth of Pine Creek. He was active in all the affairs of the township and served with distinction in the Revolutionary war, having first been assistant surgeon of a New Jersey regiment and afterwards surgeon of the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion, and was one of those who took the "iron clad" oath of allegiance before Gen. Anthony Wayne on May 5, 1777. He was also in the battle of Eutaw Springs. After the close of the war he settled in Northumberland. He afterwards returned to Porter Township, Lycoming County, and followed the practice of his profession for many years. He also served as an associate judge of the county. He left a numerous progeny, among whom was Asher Davidson, also a leading physician. Dr. James Davidson established the first burial ground in that vicinity along the bank of Pine Creek which has always keen known as the "Davidson Burial Ground" and is one of the oldest cemeteries in the county. Many of the early pioneers and those who took a prominent part in the stirring days before and after the Revolutionary war are buried there. James McMurray, who was a Methodist minister, was also another outstanding figure of the time. He was born in Ireland, came to this country, was converted and devoted the rest of his life to the preaching of the gospel and doing missionary work in the infant settlement, in which he was eminently successful. Porter Township has no industries, it being located too near Jersey Shore, to which most of the business of the township is directed. The burning of lime has been carried on to some extent, but this is all. There are no towns in the township, but Jersey Shore Junction, of the Fall Brook and Beech Creek divisions of the New York Central Railroad, is an important point. There are good schools and educational advantages are of the best. The population of the township in 1920 was 878. Part of the township is included within the limits of Jersey Shore, although not part of the borough organization.