The 6x6 mile square T8N-R9E, now known as Oregon Township, was originally part of Lapeer Township, formed 30 Dec 1834. At that time, Lapeer Township included most of the county. Then T8N-R9E became part of Marathon Township, formed 22 Mar 1839. Finally, it became Oregon Township on 25 Mar 1846.

The first land entries were made in 1834, and white settlers first appeared in 1836. During 1836, most of the land in the town was purchased. The land entries from 1834 to 1838 are listed in [HRP, pp. 160-1]. The first white settlers, Richard BRONSON and Daniel CLARK, didn't stay long. John CALEY and Horace N. LATHROP settled in 1836, and became prominent citizens. In 1837 LATHROP built a saw-mill and a grist-mill on section 24, now part of the village of Millville. Mason BUTTS was the millwright. Other early settlers included James McDOWELL, James SPEARS, Warren ELLIOTT, Alanson, Jonathan and James GRAY, Benjamin and William SKINNER, and Lafayette WARREN.

The main branch of the Flint River flows through the NW part of the township, and the S branch flows through the NE part. Several small lakes appear, especially near the center of the township. Today the NW part of the township is the site of the Holloway Reservoir.

In 1874 there are still no real villages in Oregon Township, although the city of Millville, mostly in Mayfield Township, spills over into Oregon. The Detroit and Bay City Railroad (later called the Michigan Central Railroad) runs through the NE corner of Oregon.

Oregon Township has been rural, and never developed any significant villages. Carpenter Station in Section 14 had no community surrounding it. However, Oregon is surrounded by settlements: Columbiaville to the North, in Marathon Township; Milleville to the East, mostly in Mayfield Township (partly in Oregon); and the city of Lapeer to the Southeast, mostly in Lapeer Township.