Sterling (Sanpete) is on U-89 midway between Manti and Gunnison. The community was settled in 1873 and had several early names. The first was Pettyville for the William G. Petty family. Other names were Pettytown, and Leesburg, then Buncetown for the Bunce family. The community finally chose the name Sterling for the progressive, sterling qualities of its people.