History of Sterling, Connecticut, USA

1794 - (Sterling, CT) - Originally part of Voluntown, it incorporated as Sterling in 1794.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ sterling/

1800 - (Sterling, CT) - the town opened its first mill on the Quandock River. The mill, called the American Manufacturing Company and also known as Potter’s factory, produced cotton textiles.

connecticuthistory.org/ towns-page/ sterling/

1819 - Sterling
Sterling is a post township, situated in the southeast part of the county, 44 miles from Hartford; bounded on the north by Killingly, on the east by Rhode-Island line, on the south by Voluntown, and on the west by Plainfield. It contains an area of about 24 square miles, having an average length of 8 miles and an average breadth of 3 miles...
A Gazetteer of the States of Connecticut and Rhode-Island: Written with Care and Impartiality, from Original and Authentic Materials : Consisting of Two Parts ... with an Accurate and Improved Map of Each State Authors John Chauncey Pease, John Milton Niles Publisher W.S. Marsh, 1819

1839 - Sterling
Sterling, Connecticut
Windham county. This town lies 10 miles S.E. from Brooklyn and 44 E. by S. from Hartford. It was taken from Voluntown in 1794. Population, 1830, 1,240. The soil is a light gravelly and sandy loam, and produces good grain. Sterling is watered by two branches of Moosup river, a good mill stream, on which are four cotton mills.

"Near the centre of this town, there is a cavern, called the 'Devil's Den', possessing very singular and curious features. It is situated within a ledge of rocks, and has a circular area of about 100 feet in diameter. The rock is cleft in two places, forming at each a chasm or fissure about 50 feet in depth, through one of which there runs a small stream of water; the other communicates with a room about 12 feet square, at the interior part of which there is a fire place, and a chimney extending through the rock above, forming an aperture of about 3 feet square. In another part of the rock there is a natural stair case, winding around it... Read MORE...

1854 - Sterling
Sterling, a post-township in Windham Co., Connecticut, 46 miles E. by S. from Hartford. Population, 1025.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1884 - A single flash of lightning last summer struck an entire potato field of several acres, belonging to M. J. Wood, of North Sterling, in Windham County, Conn.
The vines turned yellow and sprawled over the ground. When Mr. Wood went to dig them a few days ago he found not a potato in the whole piece. It is the first instance on record in which a growing crop was destroyed by the electric fluid. - Hartford Post.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 27, 1884

1895 - Sterling
Sterling, a post-hamlet in Sterling township, Windham co., Conn., 29 miles by rail W.S.W. of Providence, R.I. It has a manufactory of acids and a grist-mill. The township has granite-quarries and a pop. of 1022.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Sterling, a post-village in Sterling township (town), Windham co., Conn., 29 miles by rail WSW. of Providence, R.I. The town has granite quarries and dyeing and finishing-works. Pop. in 1900, 1209.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

2023 - Sterling, Connecticut might be a small town, but there are plenty of things to see and do in and around the area. Here's a list to get you started:
Pachaug State Forest:

Explore the great outdoors in the Pachaug State Forest. There are hiking trails, camping grounds, and opportunities for bird watching. It's a beautiful spot to connect with nature.

Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery:

If you're a wine enthusiast, Leyden Farm Vineyard & Winery is a must-visit. Enjoy a relaxing day in the scenic vineyards, tasting local wines, and maybe even taking a tour of the winemaking process.

The Vanilla Bean Café:

Grab a bite at The Vanilla Bean Café. It's a local favorite known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a tasty lunch, they've got you covered.

Roseland Cottage:

Take a step back in time by visiting Roseland Cottage, a perfectly preserved example of Gothic Revival architecture. The gardens are especially picturesque, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll.

Meadows End Alpacas:

For a unique and adorable experience, visit Meadows End... Read MORE...