It’s because of Sterling’s close proximity to Washington DC that many people move there. Many smaller communities exist in Sterling in addition to branch offices for a variety of major companies. Sterling’s origins can largely be traced back to the late 1950s. It was during this time that the creation of Dulles International Airport began to change a landscape that was mostly a collection of large farms. In this same time period, water and sewage lines were dramatically extended. Sterling also saw a great deal of change when the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s brought to light some of the discriminatory housing practices that were going on throughout the area. When you're in Sterling, make sure you visit the Heritage Farm Museum, the Volcano Island Waterpark, and the Claude Moore Park and Recreation Sportsplex. In terms of shopping and dining, you’ll find just about everything you could ever want, including major chains.