📍 Location & Geography
Sterling is a charming town located in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is situated in the central part of the state, approximately 46 miles west of Boston. It spans over an area of 31.6 square miles, of which 30.5 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water. The town is characterized by rolling hills and small bodies of water, including the Stillwater River.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Sterling, Massachusetts are approximately 42°26′33″N latitude and 71°45′37″W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Sterling is part of the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is located in the central part of Massachusetts, within Worcester County. The town covers a total area of 31.6 square miles.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Sterling is estimated to be around 8,000. The town has a predominantly white population, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, and other races. The median age in Sterling is approximately 44 years.
🏛️ History
Sterling was first settled by Europeans in 1720 and was officially incorporated in 1781. Originally part of the town of Lancaster, Sterling was known as the “Second or No-town Parish” before its incorporation. The town was named in honor of General William “Lord Stirling” Alexander, an American Revolutionary War figure. Sterling was primarily an agricultural town in its early years, but it also had some industry, including the manufacturing of combs and other small items.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Sterling is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Sterling Peat Bog, a 120-acre natural area. The town also has several bodies of water, such as the Stillwater River and Sterling Lake, which offer opportunities for fishing and boating. Sterling’s environment is characterized by its rolling hills, forests, and wetlands, making it a great place for nature lovers.
🏫 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 from Sterling attend the Wachusett Regional High School located in the nearby town of Holden.
🚧 Transportation
Sterling is served by several major roads, including Interstate 190 and Route 12. The town is approximately an hour’s drive from Boston. Public transportation in the town is provided by the Worcester Regional Transit Authority, which operates bus routes in the area. The nearest airport to Sterling is the Worcester Regional Airport, located about 20 miles away.
📜 Trivia & Events
Sterling is known for its annual town-wide yard sale, which is a popular event attracting visitors from around the region. The town is also famous as the birthplace of Mary Sawyer, the little girl who inspired the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb”. A statue commemorating this is located in the town center. The Sterling Fair, a large agricultural fair with a hot air balloon festival, is another notable event held in September.