📍 Location & Geography
Sterling is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. It is nestled in the central part of the state, surrounded by the towns of Leominster, Lancaster, Clinton, Boylston, West Boylston, Princeton, and Holden. The town is characterized by rolling hills and small bodies of water, including the Stillwater River, which flows through the town center.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Sterling, Massachusetts are approximately 42.4376° N latitude and 71.7603° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Sterling is part of the New England region in the northeastern United States. The town covers a total area of approximately 31.6 square miles (81.8 km²), of which about 0.5 square miles (1.3 km²) is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Sterling has a population of approximately 8,000 residents. The town’s population is predominantly white, with smaller percentages of African American, Asian, Hispanic, and other races. The median age in Sterling is around 44 years, and the town has a slightly higher percentage of female residents than male.
🏛️ History
Sterling was first settled by Europeans in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1781. The town was originally part of the town of Lancaster but became its own entity due to the difficulties Lancaster residents faced in reaching their town center. Sterling was named in honor of General William “Lord Stirling” Alexander, a Scottish-American major general during the American Revolutionary War.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Sterling is known for its natural beauty, with numerous parks, forests, and bodies of water. The town is home to the Sterling State Forest and the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed, which offer hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Sterling also hosts the Davis Farmland, a popular family attraction that includes a children’s zoo, a mega maze, and a water spray park.
🏫 Education
Education in Sterling is managed by the Wachusett Regional School District. The town has one elementary school, the Houghton Elementary School, and one middle school, the Chocksett Middle School. High school students attend the Wachusett Regional High School in the nearby town of Holden.
🚧 Transportation
Sterling is served by several major roads, including Interstate 190 and Route 12, making it easily accessible to other parts of the state. The town does not have its own public transportation system, but residents can access bus services provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority. The nearest airport is Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Sterling is known for its annual Sterling Fair, a community event that features agricultural exhibits, livestock shows, a tractor pull, and a country music concert. The town is also famous as the birthplace of Mary Elizabeth Sawyer, the girl who inspired the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Visitors can see the statue of Mary’s little lamb in the town common.