Mount Sterling is a census-designated place in Van Buren County, Iowa, United States.

[3] Other early names for the village were Wood's Mill and Union Corners until finally Mount Sterling was selected.

A steam-powered flour mill was erected in 1855, but the lack of business forced ts closure and relocation to Keokuk, Iowa in 1861.

Other industry and business included a distillery, a second sawmill, a barrel hoop factory, a blacksmith, several general mercantile stores, a shoemaker and a lumber yard.

In addition to establishing the first sawmill, George Wood also built and operated the town's first inn and served as the area's first postmaster.

[4] The population of the town and surrounding farms continued to dwindle throughout the 20th century, particularly after World War II, leading to business closures.

Mount Sterling became something of a bedroom community with residents forced to find work in larger area towns like Keosauqua, Keokuk, and Fairfield Iowa.

Current-day Mount Sterling has only two businesses, a bar & grill and an auto repair shop, and a hunting lodge.

The town made national news in 2003 after then-Mayor Jo Hamlett proposed an ordinance that would fine residents and visitors for lying.

Although in made in jest, the proposal pointed out the chronic lack of cash in a town whose yearly budget never exceeded $5,000.

[6] No candidates filed to run for Mayor or city council in the November 2011 election, prompting the vote to become an unincorporated area of Van Buren County.

Mount Sterling is located in south-central Van Buren County less than one mile north of the Iowa-Missouri border.

[8] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.40 square miles (1.04 km2), all land.