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Sterling, IL

Frequently asked questions

Sterling, IL

Sterling is a city in Whiteside County, Illinois, United States, along the Rock River. The population was 14,782 at the 2020 census, down from 15,370 in 2010. Formerly nicknamed "Hardware Capital of the World", the city has long been associated with manufacturing and the steel industry.

Sterling lies along the north bank of the Rock River, opposite its twin city, Rock Falls. The terrain is mostly flat. The land immediately outside of town is almost entirely farmland. The prairie soil is part of one of the world's most fertile growing areas. According to the 2010 census, Sterling has a total area of 5.943 square miles (15.39 km²), of which 5.71 square miles (14.79 km²) (or 96.08%) is land and 0.233 square miles (0.60 km²) (or 3.92%) is water.

In 1834, Hezekiah Brink built the first cabin in what was to become Harrisburg. Two years later, William Kirkpatrick settled downstream in an area that became Chatham. In 1838, Harrisburg and Chatham merged to become the Town of Sterling to become the county seat. The name Sterling was chosen to honor Major James Sterling, who distinguished himself in the area during the Blackhawk War in 1832. On February 16, 1857, Sterling was incorporated as a city by state law.

On July 18, 1856, Abraham Lincoln visited Sterling to speak at a rally for the presidential candidate John C. Fremont. He spent the night at the home of Sheriff William Manahan, which has since been preserved and renovated into the Lincoln-Manahan Home. He gave his speech in Propheter Park, where a statue has been erected in his honor.

The Rock River failed to become a major navigational route as once hoped, but it provided power for the saw and grist mills, and later to a booming industrial base. In 1856, the first rail lines were laid in the area. With the power from the river and the transportation provided by the railroads, Sterling's business and industry grew. During the late 19th and early 20th century, the community's industrial bedrock was laid with the founding of Northwestern Steel & Wire Co., Lawrence Brothers Inc., National Manufacturing Co., The Frantz Manufacturing Company, and the Wahl Clipper Corporation.

Sterling has diversified and adapted to the 21st century. Its industrial base has expanded; the city has filled two industrial parks and made development for a third and fourth. Retail sales for the region have expanded as Sterling has emerged as a regional retail hub. Outside the city, the landscape is dominated by agricultural fields that typify most of the Midwest. The cities of Sterling, Nebraska, and Sterling, Colorado, were both founded by former residents of Sterling, Illinois, as they branched out across the West.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Sterling. The Allure of Sterling Healthcare Services serves as a cornerstone for comprehensive healthcare services, catering to the needs of residents. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Sterling Park District offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Planet Fitness and YMCA. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Sterling, such as the Eberly Park Loop and Propheter Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Sterling, IL are Dillon Home Museum, RB&W District, and Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society.

Population: 14,764 (2020). ZIP Code: 61081. Area code: 815. Elevation: 647 ft (197 m). Area: 6.16 sq mi (15.96 km²).

FAQs

Is Sterling, IL a good place to live?

Living in Sterling offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Sterling, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many families live in Sterling and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Sterling are above average.

What is Sterling, IL is known for?

Our history is rooted in industry dating back millennia. The Hopewell Civilization and its crafting of flint stone pipes and tools were traded well beyond the region. The history of making things echoed as new settlements came to Sterling in the 1800's. Manufacturing and innovation became the foundation of our early success as the river and railroads connected Sterling to the nation earning our city the designation of the "Hardware Capital of the World."

What is the crime rate in Sterling, IL?

The crime rate in Sterling is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Sterling is 1 in 53. Based on FBI crime data, Sterling is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Illinois, Sterling has a crime rate that is higher than 87% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Sterling

Allure of Sterling Healthcare Services 

Sterling Park District 

Planet Fitness 

YMCA

Eberly Park Loop 

Propheter Park

Dillon Home Museum

RB&W District

Sterling Rock Falls Historical Society

Niche

Neighborhoodscout

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