Sterling

About Sterling

Tucked into the quiet corner of Windham County, Sterling is a small, rural gem in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner" — a place where unhurried country living, deep history, and tight-knit community come together. With two charming villages, rolling landscapes, and roots stretching back to the 18th century, Sterling has the kind of authentic New England character that's increasingly hard to find.

What to Know

• Two distinct villages: Oneco (named for Oneco, Sachem of the Mohegans) and Sterling Village each have their own post office, church, and fire station — giving the town a wonderfully village-scaled feel.
• Famous native son: Charles Dow, co-founder of Dow Jones & Company and the father of financial journalism, was born right here in Sterling.
• Revolutionary War connection: The French General Rochambeau marched his troops through town in 1781 on the way to join George Washington — Sterling was literally on the path to American independence.
• One school town: Sterling's single public school is located in Sterling Village, giving the community a close, everyone-knows-everyone quality that defines small-town Connecticut.

History

Sterling was incorporated in 1794, carved from the northern portion of the Town of Voluntown and named after an early settler, John Sterling. Just a few years before incorporation, Rochambeau's Revolutionary War forces camped here during their historic march from Narragansett Bay to the Hudson River. By 1800, a cotton mill had taken root, connecting Sterling to the early industrial story of New England.

Community & Living

Sterling is the kind of place where neighbors still wave from porches and local institutions genuinely matter. Residents tend to value the open land, low-key atmosphere, and the sense that life here moves at a human pace. It's a haven for those who want real Connecticut countryside without sacrificing community connection.