2015 Map of Sterling

About this map

Sterling and Rock Falls anchor this 2015 study of the Rock River valley, where the twin cities sit at the intersection of industry and agriculture. The landscape north of the river is marked by Science Ridge and several long-established burial grounds, including Science Ridge Mennonite Cem and Oak Knoll Cem. Residential expansions like Grimes Addition and Woodland Hills show the modern footprint of the community. South of the river, Rock Falls is defined by a systematic street grid and engineered waterways such as the Union Drainage Ditch and the Crystal Lake basin. This map provides a clear view of the transition from dense urban blocks to the large-scale drainage and agricultural networks of Whiteside Co and Lee Co.