Sterling, the northernmost town in Cayuga County, was born in 1812 from the former town of Cato, and took its name from Lord Stirling, the famous Revolutionary War general. Lying northwest of Syracuse on what was originally part of the Central New York Military Tract, its population as of the year 2000 census totaled 3.432 residents. Some of Sterling's major businesses include CrockerComputers.com and Giuseppe's Sub & Pizza Shop. In addition, Sterling runs its own Head Start program for the benefit of its very youngest residents. Each year, the town pays homage to the arts with the Sterling Renaissance Festival, probably its biggest annual tourist attraction. Here you can step back in time as over 200 theatrical professionals work together to recreate an authentic English village as it existed during the 16th and 17th centuries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy a day spent at the Sterling Park and Nature Center, the size and diversity of which make it an important natural habitat. Sterling also offers several campgrounds as well as the Sterling Trail Tamers Snowmobile Club.