Mantua Township is located in the center of Gloucester County, just South of the County Seat of Woodbury. It is 19.89 square miles bounded by Greenwich and West Deptford Townships to the North; the Borough of Wenonah, Deptford and Washington Townships to the East; the Borough of Pitman and part of Glassboro Borough to the South; Harrison Township to the Southwest and East Greenwich Township to the West. It is situated on an elevated bluff overlooking Mantua Creek, from which the township derives its name. Mantua Creek is named from the Indian word “Manta”, meaning frog, because of the frog chorus which yearly occurred in this area. Mantua Creek was the chief source of navigation and transportation for both the Lenni-Lenape Indians and early settlers.

Mantua Township was formerly a part of Greenwich Township, and by an act passed on February 23, 1853 this new township was created. The first town meeting was held on March 9, 1853 at the Union School House.