Prior to incorporation in 1891, it was named Hamburgh and later Hamburg, from which the township gets its name. The Hamburgh post office was established there in 1856, but settlement began at least as early as 1827. It was used as a fort in case of attack from the local native Cherokee people. At the time of incorporation in 1891, it was the largest town in Jackson County, a surprising fact considering it was so small.  In 1926, a new Glenville School was built on a hill above the town, with grades 1-11.   The lake was filled in 1941. The town managed to save its church and graveyard from the lake, and they were moved not far beyond the present shoreline, today they rest lakeside. Lake Glenville is renowned for Bass fishing, it annually casts bass fishing tournaments. Smallmouth bass and walleye live abundantly in Lake Glenville, as well do lake trout, crappie, largemouth bass, bream, and perch breeds. Certain breeds of Catfish also live in the lake, mainly "channel cats." There are numerous creeks that produce the water for Lake Glenville, including: Cedar creek (Cedar Creek and Bee Tree Creek combined),Mill Creek, Hurricane Creek, and Pine Creek, as well as other natural springs consumed at the base of the lake. Lake Glenville is the highest man-made lake East of the Mississippi (Elev. approx. 3486 ft.). It is a popular area due to higher income families seeking refuge from the summer heat of the south. The average summer temperature in Glenville is approximately 83 degrees. This is an extremely low figure compared to any area in the surrounding 100 mile radius, also the main reason for the area's high tourist populous.