Gold was discovered in Rockland in 1868, shortly after discoveries were made at Pine Grove three miles to the northwest. By 1870 the townsite had a population of around 150, and the town had several saloons, several stores, post office, and an express office. in the spring of next year the miners did not receive their pay and all mining operations ceased. A disgruntled miner set fire to the mill, and was convicted of arson where he was sent to the state prison in Carson City. The post office was closed in 1872.

The area was revived in the early 1900s and the post office was once again opened. The area stayed active through WWI, but was closed permanently in 1934. In all about $1 million was pulled out of the local mines over a fifty year period.