On December 5, 1749, early records indicate that Thomas Hossak had been designated as Tax Collector for Cumberland Township. Historians feel that the township was established in 1749 at the same time York County was established. At that time, Cumberland Township also consisted of most of Franklin Township and part of Butler Township. The township was reduced to its current size of 33.1 square miles (21,160 acres) in October of 1785. The township is bordered by Rock Creek on the East, Marsh Creek on the North and West and the State of Maryland on the South.

3,785 acres, almost 1/5 of the township is comprised of the Gettysburg National Military Park. Site of the famous Battle of Gettysburg. The site is used even today as a tactics training ground for military officers from all over the world. The rich cultural heritage draws 1.7 million visitors yearly. Many people choose to live in the area because of the beautiful settings and the meaning of Gettysburg in American History.

One of Cumberland Township's most famous residents was President Dwight David Eisenhower, a Five Star General who served as Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II and our 34th President of the United States. Affectionately known as "Ike," he and his wife Mamie moved to a farm on Pumping Station Road in the 1960's after his retirement from the presidency. "Ike's Farm" is now known as the Eisenhower National Historic Site and is operated and maintained by the National Park Service.