Big Beaver Township was formed in 1802 when South Beaver Township was divided. (Little Beaver, now Darlington Township, was formed at the same time). When Lawrence County was created in 1849, the new county line split Big Beaver, leaving a township of that name in each county. In 1958, Big Beaver residents decided to change to the borough form of government. Similarly, Lawrence County's Big Beaver Township is now New Beaver Borough.
Following settlement in the 1790's, the township remained rural in character until the coming of the railroad in 1851. Villages grew around the railroad station at Homewood and New Galilee; these eventually incorporated as boroughs. Other stations on the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne and Chicago RR were Highland, Walnut, and Harlow.
Early churches in the township included Mt. Pleasant and Rocky Springs, now associated with and located in Darlington and New Galilee, respectively (Rocky Springs is now The Galilean Church). Cemeteries in Big Beaver mark the original location of each church.
The village of Hoytdale was quite prominent in the 1890's, having a post office and several stores. Today, the former village is indistinguishable from adjacent suburban development.
The Koppel Car Company located within the township in 1907, but the adjacent company town incorporated in 1912. This plant is now the site of a new plant built in 1956 by the Babcock and Wilcox Company, which is partly in both Koppel and Big Beaver. A brickyard near New Galilee is the only other major industry within the borough.
Continuation of the Pennsylvania turnpike in 1951 brought the second period of growth to Big Beaver. The interchange on Route 18 near Homewood has resulted in the development of many truck stops, motels, and related businesses. A shopping center is located on Big Beaver Boulevard (Route 18) and continued commercial growth is inevitable. The community is sharing the growth of suburban living, with most development concentrated south of the railroad line.
Big Beaver, together with the three smaller boroughs it encircles, has joined with the Big Beaver Falls Area School District.