[4] Before the Civil War, Rockland was known as a major lumber producer for the shipyards in Hanover and Scituate.

The town industry boomed during the 19th century and during the civil war due to its shoe factories, its timber export, and its sawmills but production declined after the Great Depression.

[3] Rockland experienced new business growth in the decades after World War II with suburban development along the Routes 123 & 139.

[3] During the twentieth century, the town was the site of a portion of the landing strips of the South Weymouth Naval Air Station.

[5] In recent years, a growing number of artists have moved into the community, attracted by former factory buildings as a place to work and meet.

[9][10][11] The building is the largest wood structure in Rockland and is on the national register of historic places.

On the national level, Rockland is a part of Massachusetts's 10th congressional district, and is represented by Bill Keating.

Its board of selectmen has five elected seats, currently filled by: Rockland operates its own school system for the town's approximately 2,500 students.

There are two elementary schools (Phelps and R. Stewart Esten) which serve students from kindergarten to fourth grade.

A newly renovated Rockland Senior High School serves ninth through twelfth grade students.

[28] Rockland High's athletics teams are known as the Bulldogs (sometimes just 'Dogs), and their colors are navy blue and white.

The Bulldogs have a strong basketball tradition, with their most recent state championships in 2004 (boys) and 2000 (girls).

Children living in Rockland are also eligible to attend South Shore Charter Public School.

The stretch of Union Street is plentiful with mix-use buildings that reflect the heritage of Rockland Center's past vibrancy.

[30] A comprehensive study conducted by BSC Group and McCabe Enterprises made recommendations to guide the Center's redevelopment while retaining historic aspects.

[31] New sidewalks and crossing areas, paid for with a federal Community Development Block Grant, were installed in 2010.

Selectmen contracted the Iron Horse Preservation Society to remove the section of the Old Colony rail line that ran through town.

[32] Today, the town shares a weekly newspaper with neighboring Abington, The Rockland Standard.