This township lies next south of Ontonagon, and was organized July 4, 1853, at the home of Daniel Cavina, in pursuance of a legislative act passed in 1847, thus: "All that part of the county of Ontonagon known and designated as Town 50, etc., north, Ranges 38 and 39 west, be and the same is hereby set off and organized into a separate township by the name of Rockland, and the first township meeting shall be held at the house of Daniel Cavina, in said township, on the 4th day of July next.  E.C. Roberts was chosen Moderator; J. B. Townsend, Clerk; and Smith Titus and D. Cavina, Inspectors. The following resolution was adopted: "1. That all neat cattle, horses, hogs and mules be restrained from running at large for the present year. 2. That if any violation of Section 1 of the by-laws shall occur, the person to whom said property may belong shall be subject to a penalty of $5 for each and every offense."

The following persons were elected the first township officers:

There were just nineteen votes cast at this election in Rockland Township, as shown by the following list of voters:

In 1871, the tax levy of the township was 2 mills, producing a revenue of $540.37, distributed for roads and other expenses of the township. In 1871, there were 187 voters in the township, and in 1880 there were 156. In 1860, Rockland Township had a population of 2,858, including the villages and mining hamlets. In 1870, it contained a population of 1,477 whites and two Indians. In 1880, it had a population of 887. This falling off from 1860 is attributed to the decrease in the mining operations therein.

Finnish immigrants came here to farm and created the finest township in the county, containing more arable land under cultivation than any other section in the county. It contains several well-cultivated farms, which produce fine crops of oats, hay, potatoes, etc. All varieties of small fruits are grown, as well as the hardier varieties of apples.

The first religious services in Rockland Township were held in the Whim House at the Minesota Mine by Rev. Mr. Coe, and Rev. O. Day succeeded him in 1850. The next services were held in the schoolhouse thereat. About, that time, the Minesota Mining Company agreed that when the mine paid expenses the locality should have a church building, and when they obtained fifty tons of copper per month the edifice should have a bell. Both were soon secured. The first Methodist Episcopal Church edifice was erected in 1856 upon the hill overlooking the village. In 1860, the society built another edifice of wood, of ample dimensions, which it now occupies. Rev. Mr. Burnham was the first local pastor. The Catholic Church was built in the "hollow," on the Minesota Mine property, in 1853. In 1857, they erected a new and larger structure in a more eligible location, and in 1870 the congregation built the present ample edifice. The Christian Church edifice was built in 1863, which is a small wooden structure, and is not now used for church purposes. The Lutheran Church edifice was built in 1866, a moderate frame structure, though ample for the society at present. In 1883, Rev. William Dwyre was pastor of the church, which had a large congregation.

The present (1883) township officers of Rockland are: Supervisor, Henry Miller; Clerk, John F. Chynoweth; Treasurer, Thomas H. Emmons. The same were the officers in 1881, except that William E. Parnall was Supervisor. The total vote cast in the township in 1882 was 145.

Source: Western Historical Company. History of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Chicago: The Western Historical Company, 1883.