C B & Q Railroad, Sterling 1912
In 1967 the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad hauled freight on its three branches in Whiteside County. Several of the company's stations in small communities have been consolidated and other would be in the near future. There is no longer any passenger service, the depot is long closed. It is now the Union Pacific RR that rumbles and roars through Sterling. It might slow down, but it no longer has a reason to stop, the manufacturer's are all gone. The hustle and bustle of yesteryear no longer depends on the train.

I was able to find a M. Rohrer Leaman on World Connect born 20 Sep. 1889 who married Lizzie S., born 29 February 1892, died 2 February 1939. They had two daughters A. Irene born 7 December 1916 married Earl R. Groff and Ruth R. born 16 August 1918 married Enos Marton. "Rec'd. your card and contents noted. Take the C.B. & Q. from Sterling at 5 a.m. in the morning. Gets to Rock Island at 7 a.m. I will meet your there and bring you to Davenport. Plan to stay over Sunday." This postcard was listed on Ebay for $59.99.

Left - Overland Limited heading into sterling - Right - Wagon Bridge looking from Sterling toward Rock Falls 1st Ave.

"The Soldier's Monument" located in the heart of Sterling's Central Park was erected and dedicated July 4, 1890 by the people in Sterling and vicinity.

Atop the monuments 60-foot granite column, a solitary union soldieer of heroic size stands holding a ball and cap musket of the Civil War fame.

The cost of the monument was $5,000, it was dedicated in the memory of all the local soldiers and sailors who "were willing to die" that he Union and liberty might live.

The base of the monument contains the names of the famous Civil War Battles in addition to the names of the local servicement in the Civil War.

Photo contributed by Lynn Walters, Taken 2002

Central Park in Sterling