In 1878 the Davenport Elevator was built by Dow, Hancock & Gilman, and soon two flouring mills -- the Crystal Mills and Keystone Mills were established. 

One of the largest early industries was the Sterling Syrup Works, erected in 1881. Operated by Clements & Eustis, the factory could produce 2,000 gallons of syrup in a 24 hour period. The company raised their own cane on a tract of 640 acres and during peak periods, employed about 60 men.

A short time later a Sugar Factory was also established by Reginald M. Sandys & Co. of New Orleans.

By 1883, its population had grown to about 1,500, at which time the town sported three banks, two architects and builders, six grocery stores, three hardware stores, three jewelry and music stores, four dry goods stores, a furniture store, three hotels, a druggist, and two shoemakers.

In 1886 the Sterling Land and Investment Company was organized and platted the "College Addition" to Sterling. Ten acres of land was donated by an early settler named Pliny F. Axtell and the first building was erected in October, 1886. The site was then offered to the United Presbyterian Church Council of Kansas, with the condition that they endow, operate and maintain the school. The offer was accepted and a charter was prepared in the name "Cooper Memorial," in honor of Reverend Joseph Cooper, a revered former leader of the Presbyterian denomination which founded the College. The original curriculum offered four majors, and a preparatory department offering high school courses for those students unable to attend such institutions in their home communities. The major included a “Classical Course”, a general liberal arts emphasis, a “Normal Course” for prospective teachers, an “English Course” for future school administrators, and a business course.

Cooper Memorial College was opened on November 1, 1887. Over the next few years, additional buildings were built and departments added. By the early 1900's the school had an enrollment of about 180 students.

By that time, the town had grown to include more manufacturing facilities including two broom factories, a salt works, machine shops, washing machine factory, flour mill, marble works, feed mill and a seed cleaner factory. The city also boasted an opera house, three banks,  two weekly newspapers (the Bulletin and the Journal,) and numerous churches and lodges.  By 1910, the population was 2,133.

Cooper College was renamed Sterling College in 1920, but continued to retain their original focus as a Christian college.

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