The rugged highlands area that includes District Township was historically known as the "Oley Hills."  Its settlers followed the Manatawny tributaries upstream from the Oley Valley during the second quarter of the 18th century.  In order to facilitate the assessment of property over this extended region, the county commissioners classified the territory as "East and West Districts." When the section that lay between Oley and Colebrookdale was delineated as a separate township, in 1759, it was called "District" Township.

As in much of the Oley region, District's pioneers were of German heritage.  They were attracted to this area because of the abundance of springs and pure water. They constructed log buildings, cleared land for subsistence farming and hunted and  fished in their backyards.  Agriculture evolved as the primary occupation of most township residents during the following centuries, despite the limitations of rocky soils and hilly terrain.  This is evident from the fact that in many places, stone walls and foundations from former farms can be observed on hillsides that have now reverted to forest.  Today, most farms and orchards are located in the moderately sloping, fertile upland areas.

The iron industry, prominent in much of Eastern Berks County in the 18th century, was established in District Township in the 1780s and lasted for nearly a century.  In about 1780 District Furnace was built on Pine Creek by John Lesher.  The Lesher family operated this site in conjunction with Oley Forge on the Manatawny Creek at Spangsville in Oley Township.  One advantage of the site was the abundance of woodland used for the production of charcoal, the primary fuel for iron making during this period.

The small hamlets of Fredericksville and Landis Store date to the early 1800s, when public houses and stores were opened to serve their neighborhoods.  Local post offices were added at both locations in 1853.  Fredericksville is named after David Frederick, the tavern owner and postmaster.  John Weller was the first proprietor at Landis Store, but a subsequent owner, Samuel Landis, gave his name to the establishment.

In the 1860s four school districts were established, each with a one-room school.  These buildings were located on Long Lane, Huffs Church Road, Conrad Road, and Deer Run Road.

Today, with a population of about 1,500, District Township displays a remarkable continuity in its patterns of land use, and integrity in the natural quality of its landscape.  Its swift-flowing streams, abundant woodlands, scattered farms, and distinctive historic buildings depict a strong sense of place bolstered by an unspoiled natural setting.