The History of Sterling

Sterling is located on the Sterling Highway at the junction of the Moose and Kenai Rivers, 18 miles east of the City of Kenai. It lies at approximately 60° 32' N Latitude, 150° 45' W Longitude . The community is located in the Kenai Recording District. The area encompasses 85 sq. miles of land and 3 sq. miles of water.

The Kenai Peninsula has been the home of the Kenaitze Indians for hundreds of years. Sterling is a community that apparently had its name formalized in 1954 when a post office was established. An archaeological site, containing prehistoric house pits, has been discovered at the Isaac Walton Campground. The State Department of Natural Resources plans to excavate the site around 2002.

To Community Histories Index Alaska DCCED Community Database Online

History and map graphic used with permission from the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development