The area T8N-R12E, now known as Goodland Township, was originally part of Lapeer Township, formed 30 Dec 1834. On 25 Mar 1850, T8N-R12E was joined with T7N-R12E to form Imlay Township. Then on 12 Feb 1855, Imlay was split, with T8N-R12E becoming Goodland Township, and T7N-R12E retaining the name Imlay Township.

Several parcels of land in T8N-R12E were purchased by speculators, as early as 1836, but no settlers came until 1851. The first settler was James HILLS in section 29, with a land entry on March 17, 1851. He didn't stay long, but others soon followed, and by 1874 the population had reached 920. The farmland was excellent, except for the large areas of swamp and marsh around Mill Creek, which flows southwest through the township. No communites have formed in the township, with the possible exception of a small, unincorporated community called Goodland. [HRP, pp. 174-9]