1940 Map of Sterling

About this map

The Stillwater River and Quinapoxet River converge in the southern reaches of this landscape, feeding into the Stillwater Basin and Thomas Basin near the village of Oakdale. This 1938 survey documents a critical period for the regional water infrastructure, clearly marking the path of the Wachusett Aqueduct and Quinepoxet Aqueduct, including several underground access points like Shaft 1. The settlement patterns are anchored by the Boston and Maine Railroad, which serves Sterling Junction and the community of Sterling. Cultural and community hubs are well-represented, from the sprawling Sterling Camp Grounds to the Worcester County Training School. Numerous family-named landmarks such as Justice Hill, Rowley Hill, and Kendall Hill define the topography, while local history is preserved in sites like the Moores Corner Cem and West Sterling Cem.