Sterling is a small, mainly residential community set in the foothills of Mount Wachusett in central Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1781, the town is named for the Earl of Sterling, a Scottish lord. At various times in its history, clocks, hats, cider, pottery and other goods have been manufactured in Sterling, but until recently it has been mostly a farming community of rolling hills, pastures and some spectacular views of Mount Wachusett. Sterling is the home of Mary Sawyer of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" fame. There is a statue of the lamb in the Town Common which attracts many visitors. Sterling is also the home of the Butterick dress pattern, which was originally designed and patented by Ebenezer Butterick in 1896.
The Town of Sterling is centrally located between the cities of Worcester and Fitchburg and is easily accessible to each by way of Route I-190. Residents enjoy the rural atmosphere of this pleasant town and also have easy access to museums, plays, Worcester Centrum activities and skiing at Mount Wachusett. Each year in early September, the Sterling Town Fair attracts people from far and near who enjoy the many attractions of the fair; horse and oxen pulls, game booths, rides, good food, and music.
