Mount Sterling, Illinois: A Historic Gem in Brown County
History of Mount Sterling
Mount Sterling, the county seat of Brown County, Illinois, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. This charming small town has played a significant role in the development of the region.
- Founded in 1832 by James Singleton, who named it after his hometown in Kentucky.
- Incorporated as a town in 1837 and became the county seat of Brown County in 1839.
- Experienced significant growth in the mid-19th century due to its strategic location and agricultural prosperity.
- Saw further development with the arrival of the railroad in 1856, connecting it to larger markets.
- Home to several notable residents, including William A. Richardson, who served as Governor of Nebraska Territory.
- Survived economic challenges, including the Great Depression, through community resilience and agricultural strength.
- Celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1982, showcasing its pride in its long and storied history.
- Continues to serve as an important administrative and cultural center for Brown County.
Neighborhoods of Mount Sterling
While Mount Sterling is a small city, it has distinct areas that contribute to its character:
- Downtown Historic District: The heart of Mount Sterling, featuring well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
- Residential Areas: Quiet streets lined with a mix of historic homes and newer constructions.
- Courthouse Square: The central area surrounding the Brown County Courthouse, a focal point of the community.
- Business District: Areas along main thoroughfares with local businesses and services.
- Park Areas: Sections near the city’s parks, offering green spaces for recreation.
- Agricultural Surroundings: The farmlands that border the city, reflecting its agricultural heritage.
Notable Attractions
Mount Sterling offers several attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors:
- Brown County Courthouse: A beautiful example of 19th-century architecture and the center of county government.
- Mount Sterling Lake: A popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.
- Brown County Fair: An annual event showcasing local agriculture, entertainment, and community spirit.
- Historic Downtown: Featuring well-preserved buildings and local businesses.
- Dot Foods Headquarters: The largest food industry redistributor in North America, based in Mount Sterling.
- Mount Sterling Public Library: A community hub for learning and literature.
- YMCA of Mount Sterling: Offering various recreational and fitness programs.
Statistical Data
Here are some key statistics about Mount Sterling, Illinois:
- Population: Approximately 1,900 residents as of the 2020 census.
- Land Area: About 1.1 square miles (2.85 km²).
- Elevation: 710 feet (216 m) above sea level.
- Median Age: Around 40 years old.
- Median Household Income: Approximately $47,000 (as of 2019).
- Education: Served by the Brown County Community Unit School District #1.
- Climate: Humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Economy: Based on agriculture, small businesses, and the presence of Dot Foods.
Points of interest near Mount Sterling
Airports
Churches
- Cooper Jimmie, which is on Versailles.
- The Crossing Church – Mount Sterling, which is on 979 895 E Street, Mount Sterling.
- First Baptist Church, which is on 140 East Main Street, Mount Sterling.
- Mt Sterling First Untd Methodist, which is on 120 South Capitol Avenue, Mount Sterling.
- First Christian Church, which is on 117 West Washington Street, Mount Sterling.
- Holy Family Catholic Church, which is on 401 West North Street, Mount Sterling.
Fire Stations
- Brown County Emergency Services Building, which is on 835 West, Old Highway 24, Mount Sterling.
- Brown County Fire Protection District, which is on Mound Station.
- Versailles Fire Department, which is on 101 Main Street, Versailles.
Universities
- JWCC Mt. Sterling Education Center, which is on 108 North Capitol Avenue #1221, Mount Sterling.
Secondary Schools
- Brown County High School, which is on 500 East Main Street, Mount Sterling.
Parks
- Mt. Sterling Community Center YMCA, which is on E Street, 896 Illinois 99, Mount Sterling.
- Hunting Unlimited, Inc., which is on RR 4 Box 98, Mount Sterling.
- Illinois Connection, which is on 507 County Road 200 North, Mount Sterling.
- Grow Green Project, which is on 125 East Main Street, Mount Sterling.
- Veterans Memorial, which is on 100 East Main Street, Mount Sterling.
- Rotary PARK, which is on Mount Sterling.
- Clark Memorial Park, which is on 200 Damon Road, Mount Sterling.
- Lake Mt. Sterling Dam, which is on 1100 950 E St, Mount Sterling.
- Green Spring Farm, which is on 699 700e St, Mount Sterling.
- Timewell Park, which is on 404 Main Street, Mound Station.
Museums
- Mount Sterling Depot Museum, which is on 1000 810 East Street, Mount Sterling.
City halls
- Mount Sterling City Hall, which is on 145 West Main Street, Mount Sterling.
- ELKHORN TOWNSHIP HALL, which is on 875 300 North Avenue, Mount Sterling.
- Woodstock Town Hall, which is on 5660 Woodstock Road, Rushville.
- Versailles City Hall, which is on 211 North Chestnut Street, Versailles.
- MCKEE TOWN HALL, which is on 2980 North 1200th Avenue, Clayton.
Govt offices
- Brown County Fairgrounds, which is on 399 Fairground Street, Mount Sterling.
- Brown County Public Health, which is on 120 East Main Street, Mount Sterling.
- Brown County Housing Authority, which is on 400 North Maple Street, Mount Sterling.
- Mt Sterling NE Sewage Treatment, which is on RR 1, Mount Sterling.
- Elkhorn Twp Office, which is on RR 4, Mount Sterling.
- Brown County Supervisor-Asmnts, which is on 200 East Court Street # 3, Mount Sterling.
- Brown County Treasurer, which is on 200 East Court Street # 2, Mount Sterling.
Nearby Towns and Suburbs
- Hersman is 2 miles to the south-east.
- Fargo is 4 miles to the west.
- Buckhorn is 5 miles to the south-west.
- Gilbirds is 5 miles to the south-east.
- Timewell is 6 miles to the west.
- Ripley is 7 miles to the east.
- Jaques is 7 miles to the south.
- Damon is 7 miles to the north-west.
- White Oak Springs (historical) is 7 miles to the south.
- Cooperstown is 8 miles to the east.
- Versailles is 9 miles to the south-east.
- Morrelville is 9 miles to the south.
- Kellerville is 9 miles to the south-west.
- Benville is 10 miles to the south-west.
- Siloam is 10 miles to the south-west.
- Clayton is 10 miles to the west.
