The following history was prepared by Wayne Russler and presented on the occasion of the dedication of the new Napoleon Township Municipal Facility on Sunday, December 16, 2001. Some of the details were taken from a history of events until 1917 compiled by Ed Barber. Other information was gathered from the Research Center of the Jackson County Library and older residents of Napoleon.
| The Founding | WWII - Through the 1940's |
| Early Growth | The 1950's and 1960's |
| The Civil War | The 1970's |
| The Late 19th Century | The End of the 20th Century |
| The 20th Century | The 21st Century |