Sterling, Missouri facts for kids

Sterling is a small, unincorporated community located in the northwest part of Howell County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. An "unincorporated community" means it's a place where people live, but it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Sterling is situated right next to a railroad track, just east of U.S. Route 63, which is a major highway. It's about one mile south of the county border.

History of Sterling

The area now known as Sterling has a history tied to early settlers and the postal service.

Early Days and the Post Office

A post office was opened in Sterling in 1883. A post office is a place where people can send and receive mail. This post office served the community for many years, helping people connect with others through letters and packages. It stayed open until 1906, when it was eventually closed.

How Sterling Got Its Name

The community of Sterling was named after a person named John Sterling. He was a "pioneer settler," which means he was one of the very first people to move to and help establish the area. Naming places after important early residents was a common practice as new communities grew across the United States.