Located in Antrim County, northern Michigan, Chestonia Township covers 35.5 square miles (with 0.27 square miles of water) and is primarily rural, featuring forested landscapes and serving as the headwaters for the scenic Jordan River. It includes portions of the unincorporated community of Alba.

 

Chestonia Township was established in October of 1874 after being separated from Forest Home Township. Thomas VanWert, the first settler and Township Supervisor, arrived with his family that May. The first meeting was held at the home of William E. Stephens on the first Monday of April,1875.

 

In the early years of the township establishment, the railroad system through Alba helped fuel economic growth by supporting timber extraction and attracting workers.