Area Information

In 1860, General George R. Smith had a vision for the future and persuaded the Pacific Railroad to choose an inland route rather than one parallel to the river as it crossed Missouri. He founded Sedalia in the middle of the prairie and landed a major transportation and distribution center right on his front doorstep. On January 17, 1861, the first Pacific Railroad Company passenger train arrived in Sedalia in time for the Civil War and the end of rail construction for its duration. Sedalia waited 5 years for the railway boom; a boom based on the postwar shortage of beef in the eastern states and a cattle glut in Texas. The logical solution was the beginning of the great American cattle drives.

Sedalia has nearly all the amenities and hardly any of the problems associated with large cities. Residents are proud of their prosperous school system and 2-year college, many churches, libraries, abundant community services, and ample medical facilities including a fine hospital and a child development center. Cultural amenities include a symphony orchestra, concert band, art association, theater groups and much more. We are famous as a home of foremost ragtime composer Scott Joplin. Each year Sedalia celebrates this original American art form with a Ragtime Festival. The Missouri State Fair, for which Sedalia is also widely known, attracts about a half million visitors each year and features agricultural exhibits, a large midway of rides, games and food booths. Auto and horse racing, livestock shows and modern facilities make the fair a key part of Sedalia. Its Exhibition Center offers seating in the round for 3,155. Planned events include home and garden shows, tractor pulls, college graduation ceremonies, music concerts, business conferences, product displays, horse shows and basketball tournaments. Also of note is the Trailhead of the Katy Trail State Park and the Boarding Station for the Sedalia Heritage Trail. Sedalia's historic Katy Depot, with its elegant Romanesque revival style appointments, is one of the largest depots between Kansas City and St. Louis. The Sedalia School District is dedicated to provide both students and staff with the support, guidance and resources necessary to ensure that they can meet the challenges of today's classroom. It consists of a pre-kindergarten center, six elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. As an alternative, there are local private institutions of learning as well. We are home to State Fair Community College with Central Missouri State University just 28 miles away plus Columbia College, University of Missouri - Columbia and Lincoln University within an hour's drive. Sedalia also lays claim to the title of "Gateway to Lake of the Ozarks and Truman Lake." Each one brings in thousands of visitors annually with smaller lakes offering relaxation and pleasure just a few miles away. We are a city rich in history blended with a touch of small rural town charm. Enjoy the interweaving of centuries in Sedalia, home of the exciting Missouri State Fair, the foot-tapping Scott Joplin Festival, beautiful historic buildings, museums and antique finds galore. Since 1899, Sedalia has been home to the Missouri State Fair, welcoming nearly 400,000 visitors annually to the third largest State Fairgrounds in the United States. The nearly 400-acre site offers year-round facilities for camping, recreational activities and community events. The region is also known for its abundance of wildlife making it a top hunting attraction. Katy Trail State Park is a "Rails to Trails" linear park where you can hike, bike and study nature. The Sedalia Depot links north and south trailheads for the Katy Trail. Centrally located between major Missouri cities, Sedalia offers many things for residents, visitors and business people alike. You will find friendly faces and kind words everywhere you go. Stop by our United Country offices to start your journey. The region is also known for its abundance of wildlife making it a top hunting attraction. Area parks provide lighted ball fields, picnic grounds and swimming facilities. Golfers will find two 9-hole public golf courses (Prairie Ridge and Elm Hills); two 18-hole outdoor mini-golf courses, and an indoor arcade and go-kart track at Leisure Park. We're pleased that you would consider this area for your new home, business, recreational retreat or other property. Wide-ranging real estate opportunities are available from which you can choose. We're ready to help unite you with the property to best fit your needs, so contact us soon - your inquiry will receive a prompt reply.

Home	Privacy Statement | Terms of Use