The most prominent symbol of the town is Stolberg Castle. Its foundation stone was laid in the 12th century.

Stolberg's industrial development began back in the 13th century, favoured by mineral resources and the water power in the Vichtbach valley. Copper production has been established since the 16th century. Copper was processed in well-fortified farmsteads.

The importance of this branch of industry began to wane at the beginning of the 19th century due to the invention of refined zinc production and the fact that the invention of steam engines meant that brass production was no longer tied to available water power. Some businessmen readjusted to different fields of production in due time. Stolberg became an important centre for the lead and zinc industry. Companies from the hollow and flat glass industry also moved to the town.

Stolberg was granted a town charter in 1856 – at that time with only 6,581 inhabitants.

Following the 2nd World War, Stolberg developed into a modern industrial town on the edge of the Eifel. Apart from the brass and copper industry, the town is also home to a variety of other firms of international ranking from the fields of glass making, cable makers, mechanical engineering, lead production, metal and plastics processing, soap and detergents industry, chemical and pharmaceutical industry.