View source for Sedalia, Missouri

{{Use American English|date=June 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Sedalia, Missouri
| official_name = City of Sedalia
| settlement_type = [[City]]
| nickname = Queen City of the Prairie 
| motto = 
| image_skyline = {{multiple image
| perrow         = 1/2/2
| border         = infobox
| total_width    = 300
|caption_align = center
| image1 = Sedalia - Picturesque Downtown Area.jpg
| caption1 = [[Sedalia Commercial Historic District|Downtown Sedalia]]
| image2 = Hotel Bothwell, Sedalia, MO.jpg
| caption2 = [[Hotel Bothwell]]
| image3 = Missouri State Fair Entry Gate, Sedalia, MO.jpg
| caption3 = [[Missouri State Fair|Missouri State Fairgrounds]]
| image4 = Sedalia station, September 2024.jpg
| caption4 = [[Sedalia station|Sedalia Station]]
| image5 = Pettis County Courthouse, Sedalia, MO.jpg
| caption5 = Pettis County Courthouse
}}
| image_map = Pettis_County_Missouri_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Sedalia_Highlighted.svg
| mapsize = 250x200px
| map_caption = Location of Sedalia, Missouri
| image_map1 = 
| mapsize1 = 
| map_caption1 = 
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name = United States
| subdivision_type1 = [[U.S. state|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Missouri]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[List of counties in Missouri|County]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Pettis County, Missouri|Pettis]]
| government_footnotes = 
| government_type = 
| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name = Andrew Dawson
| leader_title1 = City Administrator 
| leader_name1 = Kelvin Shaw
| established_title = Founded 
| established_date = 1857
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="TigerWebMapServer">{{cite web|title=ArcGIS REST Services Directory|url=https://tigerweb.geo.census.gov/arcgis/rest/services/TIGERweb/Places_CouSub_ConCity_SubMCD/MapServer|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=August 28, 2022}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 37.09
|area_land_km2            = 37.00
|area_water_km2           = 0.09
|area_total_sq_mi         = 14.32
|area_land_sq_mi          = 14.29
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.03
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 22086
|pop_est_as_of            = 2023
|population_footnotes     = 
|population_total         = 21725
|population_density_km2   = 587.16
|population_density_sq_mi = 1520.72
|population_demonym       = Sedalian
| timezone = [[North American Central Time Zone|Central (CST)]]
| utc_offset = -6
| timezone_DST = CDT
| utc_offset_DST = -5
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name=gnis/>
| elevation_ft = 899
| coordinates = {{coord|38|42|13|N|93|15|51|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
| postal_code_type = [[ZIP code]]s
| postal_code = 65301-65302
| area_code = [[Area code 660|660]]
| blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
| blank_info = 29-66440<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
| blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
| blank1_info = 2396567<ref name=gnis>{{GNIS|2396567}}</ref>
| website = [http://www.cityofsedalia.com www.cityofsedalia.com]
| footnotes = 
| pop_est_footnotes = 
}}
'''Sedalia''' is a city located approximately {{convert|30|mi|km|-1|abbr=off|sp=us}} south of the [[Missouri River]] and, as the [[county seat]] of [[Pettis County, Missouri|Pettis County]], [[Missouri]], United States,<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties|access-date=2011-06-07}}</ref> it is the principal city of the Sedalia [[Micropolitan]] Statistical Area. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the city had a total population of 21,725.<ref>[http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_PL_GCTPL1.ST13&prodType=table 2010 United States Census]{{dead link|bot=medic|date=April 2020}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Sedalia is also the location of the [[Missouri State Fair]] and the [[Scott Joplin]] International Ragtime Festival. [[U.S. Route 50 in Missouri|U.S. Routes 50]] and [[U.S. Route 65 (Missouri)|65]] intersect in the city.

==History==
[[File:George Rappeen Smith (1804–1879).png|thumb|right|150px|George Rappeen Smith]]

[[Indigenous peoples]] lived along the Missouri River and its tributaries for thousands of years before European contact. [[Historians]] believe the entire area around Sedalia was long occupied by the [[Osage Nation|Osage]] (among historical [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]] tribes). When the land was first settled by European Americans, bands of [[Shawnee]], who had migrated from east of the Mississippi River, lived in the vicinity of Sedalia.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.5.</ref>

Until the city was incorporated in 1860 as Sedalia, it had existed only "on paper" from November 30, 1857, to October 16, 1860. According to local lore, the town council changed the name from Sedville to Sedalia in part because "towns that end in -ville don't amount to anything." (Lawrence Ditton Sr.).  Here is another account:
{{blockquote|In 1856 General Smith bought the land upon which Sedalia now stands, and founded the city.  He named it after his daughter Sarah, familiarly known as "Sed". Smith remarked that he had previously named a flatboat for her elder sister Martha.  He first chose the name Sedville but changed it to Sedalia,<ref>Also christening the city "The Queen of the Prairies" (Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.9).</ref> following the suggestion of a friend, Josiah Dent, of St. Louis. Dent suggested the change for the sake of ''euphony.''<ref>[http://www.rootsweb.com/~mopettis/bio/SmithGR.html "GEORGE R. SMITH"], Rootsweb, accessed 10 February 2008.  Website states content was "excerpted" from Conard, H.L. (ed), ''Encyclopedia of the History of Missouri (in Six Volumes)'', The Southern History Company, (New York), 1901; the volume and page numbers were not cited.</ref>}}

The area that became the European-American city of Sedalia was founded by General [[George Rappeen Smith]] (1804–1879), who also founded nearby [[Smithton, Missouri]]. He filed plans for the official record on November 30, 1857, and gave the area the name '''Sedville'''.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.8.</ref>  The original plat included the land from today's [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]] south to Third Street.

The version jointly filed by General Smith and [[David W. Bouldin]] on October 16, 1860, displayed the city extending from Clay Street to the north and to Smith Street (today's Third Street) in the south, and from Missouri Street in the west to Washington Street in the east; and, although Smith and Bouldin predicted that the city would grow to the north, it grew in a southern direction.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, pp.2, 8.</ref>

===Railhead===
Following a victory for those proposing the "ridge route" for the railway over those advocating the "river route", the railway reached Sedalia in January 1861.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.7.</ref> Sedalia's early prosperity was directly related to the railroad industry. Many jobs were associated with men maintaining tracks and operating large and varied machine shops run by both the [[Missouri Pacific]] and the [[Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad]] lines. The Missouri-Kansas & Texas Railroad was widely known as the "KATY", from its "K-T" stock exchange code.

Sedalia was an important [[wikt:railhead|railhead]] for the massive [[Cattle drives in the United States#Texas roots|Texas cattle drive of 1866]]. It maintained stockyards to receive cattle from drives and shipping through much of the 19th century.

{{blockquote|[[Chicago]] [[slaughterhouse]]s were willing to pay almost any price [for beef]—[[Texas longhorn (cattle)|longhorns]] were worth three to four dollars each on the ''[[Llano Estacado]]'' while in [[Chicago]] a steer was worth ten times that amount.  It cost about a dollar per head to drive a herd northward to a railroad, and thus with these simple economics, the long drive and the cattle bonanza got its start.<br />
During the spring and summer of 1866, some 260,000 head followed the trail to Sedalia, Missouri, the terminus of the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]]." (McComb, 1989, p.84).}}

For nearly a century, Sedalia's economy was tied to the railroads. By the end of the 19th century, the MK&T had numerous buildings and a wide variety of workers in the city: the MK&T shops, [[Feedlot|stockyards]], [[Railway roundhouse|roundhouse]], and the [[hospital]] for employees working in the Sedalia Division were among the Katy's properties in Sedalia.

After the KATY reduced its operations in the 20th century, its railroad right-of-way through much of Missouri was converted to a 240-mile multi-use trail. The [[Katy Trail State Park|KATY Trail]] is used by bikers, walkers and horseback riders. This has been the largest new trail developed in the nation among the late 20th-century federal and state "[[Rails to Trails]]" projects.

===Civil War===
{{further|Capture of Sedalia}}
During the [[American Civil War|Civil War]], the [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] had a small [[garrison]] in the area, adding to its boomtown atmosphere of accelerated development as merchants and traders attracted to the military business came to the area. In the [[Reconstruction era|postbellum]] period, two railroads were constructed connecting it to other locations, and Sedalia grew at a rapid pace, with the rough energy of travelers and cowboys. From 1866 to 1874, it was a railhead terminus for [[cattle drives]], and stockyards occupied a large area. At the same time, the town established schools (racially segregated for white and black children), churches, and other civic amenities.<ref name="sed">{{cite book |title= Ladies of the Evening: Prostitution and Class in a 19th-century Railroad Town |first1= LeeAnn |last1= Whites |first2= Mary |last2= Neth |first3= Gary R. |last3= Kremer |work= Women in Missouri History: In Search of Power and Influence |location= Columbia, Missouri |publisher= University of Missouri |date= June 14, 2004 |page= [https://archive.org/details/womeninmissourih00unse/page/152 152] |isbn= 0-8262-1526-2 |url= https://archive.org/details/womeninmissourih00unse/page/152 }}</ref>

{{blockquote|Sedalia was made a military post early in the war and remained such until its close in 1865. For this reason it was an active theater of operations for military supplies and an objective point for capture by "the boys in gray." [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] raids into [[Pettis County, Missouri|Pettis County]], and the offensive and defensive activities of [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] troops against them, kept the inhabitants of Sedalia in [a] high state of excitement. The progress of the city was retarded [during that time]. Sentiment in the county was about evenly divided.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.10.</ref>}}

On October 15, 1864, [[Shelby's Iron Brigade|Shelby's Confederate cavalry brigade]] surrounded the [[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] [[Outpost (military)|post]] of Sedalia. The post commander, Colonel John D. Crawford, fled. Captain Oscar B. Queen of Company M, 7th Cavalry, [[Missouri State Militia (Union)|Missouri State Militia]], surrendered the post shortly thereafter.<ref>[http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/index.cgi?noframes;read=11798 "From Sedalia: It's Late Defence and Capture" (''Missouri Democrat,'' October ?, 1864)] {{webarchive|url=http://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/20130521102157/http://history-sites.com/mb/cw/arcwmb/index.cgi?noframes;read=11798 |date=2013-05-21 }}, History Sites</ref> [[Missouri State Guard]] Brigadier-General [[M. Jeff Thompson]] subsequently [[parole]]d the [[Prisoner of war|prisoners of war]] and moved on, leaving Sedalia to itself.<ref>Mueller, (2007), pp.85–86</ref>

===Late 19th century===
[[File:Sedalia Ruger Map 1869.jpg|right|thumb|Sedalia in 1869]]
While the Civil War delayed development of the town in some respects, Sedalia was the terminus of the railroad for three years. Once the war was over, many of the thousands of Union soldiers who had been stationed more or less permanently at Sedalia and recognized its potential, made the choice to migrate there from their former homes in other areas. The population grew rapidly.<ref>Ihrig, et al., 1960, p.13.</ref>

In the late 19th century, Sedalia was well known as a center of vice, especially prostitution, which accompanied its large floating class of railroad workers and commercial travelers. In 1877 the ''[[St. Louis Post-Dispatch]]'' called Sedalia the "[[Sodom and Gomorrah]] of the nineteenth century."{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} Middle-class businessmen made money off illegal prostitution as building owners and lessees; others did business with people in the industry, who banked, used lawyers, etc., in town. Residents were reluctant to raise taxes and services were provided from the [[fine (penalty)|fine]]s charged to prostitutes.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}}

In the 1870s brothels were distributed throughout the city, but in the 1890s, they became more concentrated above businesses on West Main Street, as the middle class tried to isolate less desirable elements in town.<ref>Whites (2004), "Ladies of the Evening," pp. 155-157</ref> These establishments also employed musicians, particularly piano players, contributing to a thriving musical culture. It fostered the development of many artists, including the renowned ragtime composer [[Scott Joplin]].

===20th and 21st centuries===
While the city attracted many commercial travelers and railroad workers, its population of married couples and families also grew. By 1900 its population of more than 15,000 made it the sixth-largest city in the state. The [[entrepreneur]]ial [[middle class]] created more formal separations between its residential areas and those of [[working class]] whites and [[African Americans]].<ref name="sed" />

During [[World War II]], the military built Sedalia Glider Base in [[Johnson County, Missouri|Johnson County]] to the west. After the war, this facility was transferred to the [[Strategic Air Command]]. It was converted to a bomber base, the [[Whiteman Air Force Base]], named after 2nd Lt. George A. Whiteman, an Army Air Corps pilot who was killed during the 1941 [[Attack on Pearl Harbor|Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor]]. After a massive construction program, the base became the center of 150 [[ICBM]] silos and administrative offices. These were decommissioned in the 1990s.

Sedalia is home to the nation's first [[sheltered workshop]], which opened in 1965.

The expansion of the railroad and cattle drives in the late 19th century brought many male laborers to the rough town on the frontier. It sparked the related rise of a notorious "[[red light district]]", with numerous [[prostitute]]s who did business with the men in saloons and brothels, which also featured musical entertainments.

As more families settled in the area, they made the culture more stable, creating institutions such as schools and churches. In the late 20th century, structural changes in the railroads meant the loss of many industrial jobs, but the city has held on to a population close to its 1960 peak while developing new bases for the economy. The city is informally known as the "Trailer Capital of the Midwest", due to the high number of trailer manufacturers and dealers in the area.

Residents have emphasized the colorful history of the town for heritage tourism, and identified many significant historic structures for state and national recognition.

According to ''The History of the Boy Scouts of America'' (William D. Murray, 1937), the first Boy Scout Troop in Missouri (and one of the first in the nation) was formed in Sedalia in 1909, a year before the national organization was officially chartered on February 8, 1910.

===Tornadoes===
On October 24, 2021, a [[Enhanced Fujita scale|EF0]] tornado touched down east of Sedalia.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=KMBC 9 News|date=2021-10-25|title=National Weather Service says several tornadoes touched down Sunday in Missouri|url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/national-weather-service-ef-0-tornadoes-hit-near-sedalia-1635193453/38057743|access-date=2021-10-26|website=KMBC|language=en-US}}</ref> It is the most recent tornado to strike Sedalia.

==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|13.32|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which {{convert|13.29|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.03|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702145235/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt|archive-date=2012-07-02}}</ref>

===Climate===
Sedalia has a typical [[temperate]] climate. As with most continental climates, the micropolitan area has four seasons. Springs in Sedalia are noted for their rainy days and variable temperatures. [[Thunderstorm]]s are common and [[tornado]]es occur during this time of year. Summers are usually hot and humid, with [[drought]]s occurring during several summers. Autumns are usually cool and rainy, although several days of warm weather are not uncommon. Winters are generally cold, with snow accumulating several days of the winter season. Although not as common, ice storms occur as well.

{{Weather box
|location = Sedalia Water Plant, Missouri (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present)
|single line = Y
| Jan record high F = 77
| Feb record high F = 78
| Mar record high F = 90
| Apr record high F = 92
| May record high F = 96
| Jun record high F = 105
| Jul record high F = 116
| Aug record high F = 107
| Sep record high F = 107
| Oct record high F = 97
| Nov record high F = 85
| Dec record high F = 75
| year record high F =

|Jan avg record high F = 63.7
|Feb avg record high F = 69.0
|Mar avg record high F = 77.6
|Apr avg record high F = 84.0
|May avg record high F = 87.4
|Jun avg record high F = 92.1
|Jul avg record high F = 96.3
|Aug avg record high F = 96.6
|Sep avg record high F = 91.6
|Oct avg record high F = 84.8
|Nov avg record high F = 73.7
|Dec avg record high F = 66.1
|year avg record high F = 97.9

| Jan high F = 38.2
| Feb high F = 43.3
| Mar high F = 54.3
| Apr high F = 64.9
| May high F = 73.9
| Jun high F = 82.5
| Jul high F = 86.8
| Aug high F = 85.8
| Sep high F = 78.3
| Oct high F = 67.3
| Nov high F = 53.7
| Dec high F = 42.6
| year high F =

| Jan mean F = 28.6
| Feb mean F = 33.1
| Mar mean F = 43.0
| Apr mean F = 53.3
| May mean F = 63.3
| Jun mean F = 72.7
| Jul mean F = 76.9
| Aug mean F = 75.1
| Sep mean F = 67.0
| Oct mean F = 55.5
| Nov mean F = 43.2
| Dec mean F = 33.2
| year mean F =

| Jan low F = 18.9
| Feb low F = 22.9
| Mar low F = 31.8
| Apr low F = 41.8
| May low F = 52.8
| Jun low F = 62.9
| Jul low F = 66.9
| Aug low F = 64.3
| Sep low F = 55.6
| Oct low F = 43.6
| Nov low F = 32.6
| Dec low F = 23.8
| year low F =

|Jan avg record low F = -2.1
|Feb avg record low F = 3.2
|Mar avg record low F = 13.4
|Apr avg record low F = 26.8
|May avg record low F = 37.3
|Jun avg record low F = 50.1
|Jul avg record low F = 56.6
|Aug avg record low F = 53.5
|Sep avg record low F = 39.9
|Oct avg record low F = 27.2
|Nov avg record low F = 16.0
|Dec avg record low F = 5.6
|year avg record low F = -6.1

| Jan record low F = −23
| Feb record low F = −30
| Mar record low F = −17
| Apr record low F = 15
| May record low F = 26
| Jun record low F = 40
| Jul record low F = 44
| Aug record low F = 39
| Sep record low F = 27
| Oct record low F = 17
| Nov record low F = −6
| Dec record low F = −28
| year record low F =

| precipitation colour= green
| Jan precipitation inch = 1.92
| Feb precipitation inch = 2.15
| Mar precipitation inch = 2.76
| Apr precipitation inch = 4.62
| May precipitation inch = 5.32
| Jun precipitation inch = 5.19
| Jul precipitation inch = 4.94
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.88
| Sep precipitation inch = 4.16
| Oct precipitation inch = 3.56
| Nov precipitation inch = 2.89
| Dec precipitation inch = 2.21
| year precipitation inch = 43.60

| Jan snow inch = 4.9
| Feb snow inch = 2.7
| Mar snow inch = 1.7
| Apr snow inch = 0.1
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.1
| Nov snow inch = 0.4
| Dec snow inch = 3.2
| year snow inch =

| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 6.8
| Feb precipitation days = 6.2
| Mar precipitation days = 9.3
| Apr precipitation days = 10.6
| May precipitation days = 10.9
| Jun precipitation days = 8.9
| Jul precipitation days = 8.0
| Aug precipitation days = 7.0
| Sep precipitation days = 7.0
| Oct precipitation days = 8.7
| Nov precipitation days = 6.9
| Dec precipitation days = 6.7
| year precipitation days = 97.0

| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 1.9
| Feb snow days = 1.4
| Mar snow days = 0.8
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.2
| Dec snow days = 1.2
| year snow days =

|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name = NOAA >
{{cite web
| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=eax
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 2, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00237632&format=pdf
| title = Station: Sedalia WTP, MO
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 2, 2021}}</ref>
}}

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1870= 4560
|1880= 9561
|1890= 14068
|1900= 15231
|1910= 17822
|1920= 21144
|1930= 20806
|1940= 20428
|1950= 20354
|1960= 23874
|1970= 22847
|1980= 20927
|1990= 19800
|2000= 20339
|2010= 21387
|2020= 21725
| estyear = 2023
| estimate = 22086
|align-fn=center
|footnote=[https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html U.S. Decennial Census]<ref>Ihrig et al., (1960 p.&nbsp;123) also noted "There is considerable disagreement about the 1950 census, as critics contend that many people were missed. The "Survey on {{sic}} Buying Power" [viz., the ''Sales and Marketing Management'' magazine's annual Survey of Buying Power] indicates an estimated population of 26,300 on January 1, 1958. The 1960 census had not been taken when this [centenary] history was written, but the 1960 population of Sedalia was estimated to be between 28,000 and 30,000."</ref>
}}
[[File:Missouri-Kansas-Texas Advertisement 1881.jpg|thumb|right|200px|1881 advertisement for the [[Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad|K-T]] line]]
Sedalia had a population of around 300 people in 1860, and what was described as a "bona fide population" of around 1,000 in 1865.<ref>Ihrig et al. (1960 p.&nbsp;12)</ref><ref>The significance of the description of "bona fide population" is that "from 1861 to 1864 Missouri was under martial law and Sedalia, as a military post, was governed by the post commander. There was no mayor, council or executive or legislative body except the military power" (Ihrig et al., 1960 p.12).</ref> Sedalia has recently become home to many immigrants from Russia or former Soviet bloc nations, who may account for up to 15% of the population.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2006|title=The Most Russian City in the U.S.|url=http://russianamericanbusiness.org/web_CURRENT/articles/82/1/The-Most-Russian-City-in-the-U.S|access-date=2022-01-02|website=russianamericanbusiness.org}}</ref> Most of the Russian and [[Ukrainians|Ukrainian]] immigrants who live in Sedalia are members of one of the seven [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]] Churches there.<ref>[https://meduza.io/en/feature/2015/05/20/i-ve-seen-hell-and-it-is-real "‘I’ve seen hell, and it is real’ - Ukrainian Pentecostals in the American Midwest ..."] at Meduza — The Real Russia. Today. Retrieved September 30, 2019.</ref>

===2020 census===
The [[2020 United States census]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov| access-date=2023-12-17 |website=data.census.gov}}</ref> counted 21,725 people, 8,750 households, and 5,056 families in Sedalia. The population density was 1,520.3 per square mile (587.2/km{{sup|2}}). There were 10,109 housing units at an average density of 707.4 per square mile (273.2/km{{sup|2}}). The racial makeup was 77.12% (16,754) [[White (U.S. Census)|white]], 5.37% (1,166) [[African American (U.S. Census)|black or African-American]], 0.67% (145) [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.8% (173) [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.35% (76) [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 6.85% (1,488) from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 8.85% (1,923) from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race was 12.9% (2,794) of the population.

Of the 8,750 households, 25.5% had children under the age of 18; 41.0% were married couples living together; 32.0% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 36.7% consisted of individuals and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 and the average family size was 3.1.

24.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.5 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 91.9 males.

The 2016-2020 5-year [[American Community Survey]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov|access-date=2023-12-17|website=data.census.gov}}</ref> estimates show that the median household income was $42,152 (with a margin of error of +/- $2,806) and the median family income was $55,083 (+/- $4,958). Males had a median income of $31,223 (+/- $1,860) versus $21,210 (+/- $2,076) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,397 (+/- $1,258). Approximately, 12.2% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 24.3% of those under the age of 18 and 11.1% of those ages 65 or over.

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name ="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2012-07-08}}</ref> of 2010, there were 21,387 people, 8,850 households, and 5,226 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|1609.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 9,979 housing units at an average density of {{convert|750.9|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The racial makeup of the city was 85.3% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.2% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.5% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.7% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.1% [[Race (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 5.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 3.0% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 9.0% of the population.

There were 8,850 households, of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 14.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.9% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.00.

The median age in the city was 34.6 years. 25% of residents were under the age of 18; 11% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 23% were from 45 to 64; and 15% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48% male and 52% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 20,339 people in the city, organized into 8,628 households and 5,228 families. The population density was {{convert|1,700.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 9,419 housing units at an average density of {{convert|787.6|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 88.6% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 5.0% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.4% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.4% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], <0.1% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 3.8% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 1.9% from two or more races. 5.6% of the population were [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race.

There were 8,628 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.0% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.4% were non-families. 33.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,641, and the median income for a family was $34,938. Males had a median income of $28,208 versus $19,520 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $15,931. 15.3% of the population and 12.5% of families were below the [[poverty line]]. Out of the total population, 20.8% of those under the age of 18 and 10.5% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

==Arts and culture==
===Carnegie Library===
The [[Sedalia Public Library]] was the first [[Carnegie library|Carnegie Grant]] awarded in Missouri. The Board of Trustees received word of the $50,000 grant in the fall of 1899. After securing the property on which to build, and having gained voter approval of a tax to support the library, the Board laid the cornerstone in 1900. The building was completed in July 1901.<ref>[http://www.librarytechnology.org/lwc-displaylibrary.pl?RC=20320 Sedalia Public Library - Sedalia, MO [lib-web-cats&#93;<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Dedicated in 1901, the library is listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].

===Museums===
Sedalia is home to the [[Daum Museum of Contemporary Art]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daummuseum.org/index.cfm |title=Daum Museum of Contemporary Art |website=www.daummuseum.org |access-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218194459/http://www.daummuseum.org/index.cfm |archive-date=18 February 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> named after its primary benefactor, Sedalia radiologist and art collector [[Harold Daum]]. The museum, located on the [[State Fair Community College]] campus, is home to the works of many famous artists including [[Dale Chihuly]] (1941–), [[Sam Francis]] (1923–1994), [[Helen Frankenthaler]] (1928–), [[Sol LeWitt]] (1928–2007), [[Robert Motherwell]] (1915–1991), [[Julian Schnabel]] (1951–), and [[Andy Warhol]] (1928–1987).

The {{convert|16000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} museum, designed by St. Louis-based Gunn & Smith Architects, features three stories of gallery space—including a {{convert|3400|sqft|m2|adj=on}} main gallery with a translucent [[clerestory]], a [[cantilever]]ed stairway, a two-story [[Atrium (architecture)|atrium]], and an open-air [[List of sculpture parks#United States|sculpture court]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.daummuseum.org/index.cfm?section=collection&page=results&cat=sculpture |title=Daum Museum of Contemporary Art |website=www.daummuseum.org |access-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303180835/http://www.daummuseum.org/index.cfm?section=collection&page=results&cat=sculpture |archive-date=3 March 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It features both permanent displays as well as temporary displays from world-renowned artists.<ref>Kinzer, S., " IN THE MIDDLE; What's This? An Art Boom In the Heartland", ''New York Times'', (24 April 2002), pp.E1–E2.</ref>
[[File:USA-Poster-stamp c1930 Missouri State Fair.jpg|thumb|right|140px|Poster stamp for the Missouri State Fair, c.1930.]]

Sedalia is also home to The [[Pettis County Museum]] and Historical Society, located at 228 Dundee Ave. The building was once a Jewish Synagogue and features many Historical artifacts from all periods of Pettis County history. It is currently open on Friday and Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, and by appointment at other times.

===State Fair===
Since 1901, the [[Missouri State Fair]] has been held in Sedalia every August, with the exception of 1943 and 1944 because of World War II. Many singers and actors make the annual trip to the fair. [[Ronald Reagan]], [[George W. Bush]] and other presidents have given speeches on the fairgrounds, though not during the State Fair.

In 1974, the Missouri State Fairgrounds was the site of the [[Ozark Music Festival, (1974)|Ozark Music Festival]], one of the largest but least remembered major music festivals of the 1970s. While the plan was for the pop/rock/bluegrass festival's selling about 50,000 tickets, an influx of about 184,000 fans and many rock bands strained the capacity of the fairgrounds and the city. Some estimates put the crowd count at 350,000. It counts as one of the largest music events (Rock Festivals) in history. The festival, hosted by [[Wolfman Jack]], took out a full-page ad in ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine and attracted people from outside the region.

===Historic sites===
The following Sedalia locations have been listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]]:<ref>[[List of Registered Historic Places in Missouri, Counties O-St.#Pettis County|"Registered Historic Places in Pettis County, MO"]], Wikipedia</ref>
* [[Building at 217 West Main Street]], former brothel<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/96001189.pdf Building at 217 West Main Street NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[G and G Veterinary Hospital]]<ref name="nps">{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/upload/weekly-list-2011-national-register-of-historic-places.pdf|title=National Register of Historic Places Listings|date=2011-04-22|work=Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 4/11/11 through 4/15/11|publisher=National Park Service}}</ref>
* [[William H. Gentry House]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/97001434.pdf William H. Gentry House NRHP nomination]</ref><ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
* [[John T. and Lillian Heard House]]<ref name="nps"/>
* [[Harris House (Sedalia, Missouri)|Harris House]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/79001387.pdf NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Hotel Bothwell]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/89001406.pdf NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[C.C. Hubbard High School]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/97000628.pdf Hotel Bothwell NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Henry Jones Farmstead]]<ref name="nris"/>
* [[McVey School]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/99001255.pdf McVey School NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Depot (Sedalia, Missouri)|Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Depot]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/79001388.pdf Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad Depot NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Missouri/Sedalia Trust Company]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/83001034.pdf Missouri/Sedalia Trust Company NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Missouri State Fairgrounds|Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/91000853.pdf Missouri State Fairgrounds Historic District NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Sedalia Commercial Historic District]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/01000687.pdf Sedalia Commercial Historic District NRHP nomination]</ref>
* [[Sedalia Public Library]]<ref>[http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/80002389.pdf Sedalia Public Library NRHP nomination]</ref>

===Little Sister of Liberty===
In 1950, to celebrate its fortieth anniversary—which had the theme of "[[Strengthen the Arm of Liberty]]"<ref>[http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/0710/d-wwas.html Attoun, M., "Little Sisters of Liberty", ''Scouting'', (October 2007)]</ref>—the [[Boy Scouts of America]] donated two hundred 8&nbsp;ft 6in (260&nbsp;cm) copper replicas of the [[Statue of Liberty]], which were known collectively as the "Little Sisters of Liberty", to various communities in 39 states. The project was the brainchild of the Scout Commissioner of the (then) Kansas City Area Council, Kansas City businessman J.P. Whitaker.

One of the 200 replicas was donated to Sedalia; and it was installed at the County Courthouse.<ref>[http://troop101.thescouts.com/liberty Boy Scouts of America, Troop 101, Cheyenne, Wyoming: Replica Statue of Liberty Search (includes a photograph of Sedalia's "Little Sister of Liberty")] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080210023710/http://troop101.thescouts.com/liberty/ |date=2008-02-10 }}</ref><ref>The following unsigned tribute appeared on the plaque affixed to its base:
::WITH THE FAITH AND COURAGE OF
::THEIR FOREFATHERS WHO MADE
::POSSIBLE THE FREEDOM OF THESE
::UNITED STATES
::THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
::DEDICATE THIS REPLICA OF THE
::STATUE OF LIBERTY AS A PLEDGE
::OF EVERLASTING FIDELITY AND
::LOYALTY:
::40TH ANNIVERSARY CRUSADE TO
::STRENGTHEN THE ARM OF LIBERTY
::1950
:Taken from the ''Smithsonian American Art Museum's'' Inventory of American Sculpture, Control Number '''MO000269'''.</ref>

===''A Sedalia Christmas''===
''A Sedalia Christmas'' is a [[multi-media]] [[Stage play|play]] written in celebration of the Christmas traditions and celebrations of Sedalia from 1866 to 1969.<ref>[http://kxkx.com/a-sedalia-christmas-celebrates-local-holiday-traditions/ "A Sedalia Christmas" Celebrates Local Holiday Traditions]</ref> It was written by Rebecca Imhauser, a Sedalia native. Local actors and actresses<ref>[http://923bobfm.com/events-sedalia/lcaa-auditions-for-a-sedalia-christmas/17-september-2013-liberty-center/ LCAA Auditions for A Sedalia Christmas]</ref> portray Sedalians<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=BmU3X_ZMG7cC&dq=Christmas+is+a+multimedia+holiday+production&pg=PA17 Legendary Locals of Sedalia, Missouri] By Rebecca Carr Imhauser (Google Books)</ref> and the events that shaped their lives. Historic photos are projected during the play to represent pivotal time frames, with an emphasis on Christmas during the [[Great Depression|depression]] and [[World War II]] eras. Sedalia's Christmas heritage is celebrated through favorite holiday and patriotic songs, as well as [[Choreography|choreographed]] dance numbers.  This [[Musical theater|musical]] is set in Sedalia. Imhauser, a member of the Board of the Liberty Center Arts Association, created the show in 2008,<ref>[http://www.beckyimhauser.com/about.html Becky Carr Imhauser] personal website</ref> basing it on her own knowledge, extensive research of Sedalia's history and from her book ''All Along Ohio Street''. The musical was first performed in the Liberty Center, a theater in downtown Sedalia, on December 5, 2008. It was shown again in December 2009<ref>[https://issuu.com/missourilifemagazine/docs/ml_1208_lr Missouri Life Magazine], page 25</ref> with an improved script and a slightly altered cast.

==Education==
Sedalia School District 200 administers five elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, Whittier High School 
and [[Smith-Cotton High School]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.greatschools.org/missouri/sedalia/sedalia-200-school-district/schools/ | title=Sedalia 200 School District | publisher=Greatschools | access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> [[Sacred Heart High School (Missouri)|Sacred Heart High School]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.gogremlins.com | title=Homepage | publisher=Sacred Heart School | access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> and St. Paul's Lutheran School<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sedaliastpauls.org | title=Homepage | publisher=Sedalia St. Paul's Lutheran School | access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref> are private institutions.

[[State Fair Community College]] is a public two-year institution offering post-secondary college level courses.

[[George R. Smith College]], a [[historically black college]] (HBCU), operated from 1894 until it burned down on April 26, 1925.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lostcolleges.com/george-r-smith-college | title=George R. Smith College | publisher=Lost Colleges | access-date=18 March 2018}}</ref>

The Sedalia Business College and Institute of Penmanship was founded in 1881.  It was the predecessor of Robbins' Business College, founded by Clark W. Robbins (1858–1918) in 1883.  This evolved into Central Business College.<ref>Conroy, (2009), pp. 15–25.</ref>

==Media==
===Newspapers===
A number of newspapers have been published in Sedalia, in alphabetical order:
* ''The Daily Democrat'' (1871–1873)
* ''The Independent Press'' (1871–1873)
* ''The Pacific Enterprise'' (1863–1864)
* ''The Sedalia Advertiser'' (1864–1865)
* ''The Sedalia Bazoo'' (1881–1895)
* ''The Sedalia Capital''
* ''The Sedalia Daily Democrat'' (1874–1925)
* ''The [[Sedalia Democrat]]'' (1949–)
* ''The Sedalia News-Journal'' (2003–)
* ''The Sedalia Times''

===Radio stations===
* [[KSDL|KSDL 92.3FM (Sedalia)]] [http://www.ksdl.com]
* [[KSIS|KSIS 1050 AM (Sedalia)]] [http://www.ksisradio.com]
* [[KXKX|KXKX 105.7 FM (Sedalia)]][http://www.kxkx.com/]
* [[KDRO|KDRO 1490 AM (Sedalia)]][http://www.kdro.com]
* [[KPOW-FM|KPOW 97.7 FM (Sedalia)]][http://www.power977.com]

===Television stations===
* [[KMOS-TV]] (Channel 6) [http://www.kmos.org]
* [[K11OJ-TV]] (Channel 11)

==Infrastructure==
===Transportation===
====Air====
* [[Sedalia Regional Airport]]

====Train====
* [[Sedalia (Amtrak station)]]

==Notable people==
{{further|List of people from Sedalia, Missouri}}

==In popular culture==
===Film===
{{further|History of cinema in the United States}}

The 1948 film ''[[Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!]]'' premiered at [[Fox Theatres]]. The premiere was attended by [[Lon McCallister]], [[Colleen Townsend]], [[Luanne Hogan]] and [[Betty Ann Lynn]]. A crowd of over 10,000 gathered to watch the celebrities paraded through downtown Sedalia on a donkey cart.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Imhauser |first1=Rebecca Carr |title=Legendary Locals of Sedalia, Missouri |year=2013 |publisher=Arcadia |isbn=9781467100403 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BmU3X_ZMG7cC&pg=PA88 |access-date=23 July 2019}}</ref>

[[File:Minuteman II.jpg|thumb|right|Minuteman II missile launch]]
In the [[United States|American]] [[television movie]] ''[[The Day After]]'' (1983), aired by [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]], Sedalia is destroyed when the Soviet Union attacks the [[Minuteman Missile|Minuteman II Missile]] silos around the area. At the time of the movie's release, 150 of the missiles were located in the Sedalia area in underground silos. They had been sited there since activation in early 1964 of the first Minuteman missiles under the control of the [[351st Missile Wing]] located at [[Whiteman Air Force Base]]. The release of the movie led to a significant (if belated) increase in local community concern about the missiles. Concern remained high until all the missiles were dismantled between 1992 and 1997 as a result of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and Russia.

Sedalia was featured in two widely seen 1977 films: ''[[Heroes (1977 film)|Heroes]]'', starring [[Henry Winkler]] and [[Harrison Ford]]; and the made-for-TV movie ''[[Scott Joplin (film)|Scott Joplin]]'', starring [[Billy Dee Williams]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076674 |title=''Scott Joplin'' (1977) |publisher=IMDb.com |access-date=2011-02-12 }}</ref>

Sedalia was mentioned briefly in the motion picture ''[[MASH (film)|MASH]]''. Parts of the 1941 film ''Bad Men of Missouri'' are set in Sedalia. The city was mentioned in ''[[Old Yeller (1957 film)|Old Yeller]]''.

===Television===
The classic, long running [[Western (genre)|Western]] series ''[[Rawhide (TV series)|Rawhide]]'', which ran on [[CBS]] from [[1959 in television|1959]] to [[1966 in television|1966]], featured Sedalia as a destination for cattle drives. It starred [[Eric Fleming]] as the trail boss, Gil Favor, and the emerging [[Clint Eastwood]] as the "ramrod" (i.e., second in charge), Rowdy Yates.
[[File:1990SedaliaJoplinFestBanjoPiano.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, Sedalia, 1990]]

===Music===
Sedalia is well known as the adopted home of [[ragtime]] music's most well known musician and stylist [[Scott Joplin]]. Joplin's famous ''[[Maple Leaf Rag]]'' was named for a [[Western saloon|saloon]] in Sedalia.<ref name=":0">James Lincoln Collier, Benny Goodman and the Swing Era, Oxford University Press, page 199</ref> Sedalia was also the hometown to Joe Harris, vocalist and trombonist with [[Benny Goodman and His Orchestra]] and later [[MGM Studios]].<ref name=":0" />

In 1935, in the midst of the [[Great Depression]], which affected Sedalia severely, Abe Rosenthal along with other music-loving residents formed the Sedalia Symphony Society and established a symphony orchestra, which, as the second oldest in Missouri, celebrated its 75th season in 2009–2010.

Sedalia has been the host to several rock and roll events, such as the [[Ozark Music Festival]] in 1974, and the [[Delicious Rox Festival]] in 2006.

==See also==
{{Portal|United States|Missouri}}
* [[Ozark Music Festival]]
* [[Whiteman Air Force Base#History|Sedalia Air Force Base]]
* [[Sierra Bullets]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* Berlin, E.A., "Scott Joplin in Sedalia: New Perspectives", ''Black Music Research Journal'', Vol.9, No.2, (Autumn 1989), pp.&nbsp;205–223.
* Bird, Kenneth L." Rails To The Osage", Menwith Productions, 2009, ''Story of the Sedalia, Warsaw & Southern Railroad'' {{ISBN|978-1-61584-215-5}}
* Cassity, M.J., ''Defending a Way of Life: An American Community in the Nineteenth Century'', Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1989. {{ISBN|0-88706-868-5}}
* Cassity, M.J., ''Defending a Way of Life: The Development of Industrial Market Society and the Transformation of Social Relationships in Sedalia, Missouri 1850–1890'', Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Missouri–Columbia, 1973.
* Chalfant, R., ''Down at the Junction: a study of Madam Lizzie Cook, a prostitute in Sedalia, Missouri, 1870–1879'', M.A. Dissertation, [[University of Missouri]], 1994.
* Chalfant, R., ''Show me the fair : a history of the Missouri State Fair'', Walsworth Publications, (Marceline), 2002. {{ISBN|1-57864-189-6}}
* Chalfant, R., ''"The Midland's Most Notorious": A Study of Prostitution in Sedalia, Missouri, 1860–1900'', Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Missouri–Columbia, 2005.
* Christensen, L.O.(ed), ''Dictionary of Missouri Biography'', University of Missouri Press, (Columbia), 1999. {{ISBN|0-8262-1222-0}}
* Claycomb, W.B., ''On the Mainlines: Railroading in Sedalia, MO'', W.B. Claycomb, (Hughesville), 1998.
* Claycomb, W.B., ''On the Mainlines: Railroading in Sedalia, Missouri'', Sedalia Heritage Foundation, (Sedalia), 2003.
* Claycomb, W.B., Imhauser, B.C. & Nolen, R.M., ''Bothwell Regional Health Center: A Lifetime of Caring, 1930–2005'', Bothwell Regional Health Center, (Sedalia), 2005.
* Conroy, M.S., ''The Cosmetics Baron You've Never Heard Of: E. Virgil Neal and Tokalon'', Altus History LLC, (Englewood), 2009. {{ISBN|0-615-27278-9}}
* Crisler, R.M., "Cities of Central Missouri", ''Economic Geography'', Vol.23, No.1, (January 1947), pp.&nbsp;72–75.
* Demuth, I. M., ''The History of Pettis County, Missouri, including an authentic history of Sedalia, other towns and townships, together with ... biographical sketches ... '', F. A. North, (Sedalia), 1882.
* Dickson, T., ''There's a Town in Missouri: Hermann, Hannibal, Springfield, St. Joseph, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, Fulton, Sedalia, Lamar, Lexington, Independence, St. Louis, 1902'', New Sunrise Publishing, 1979.
* Hale, L.L., ''Sedalia, Missouri: 100 Years in Pictures'', Walworth Publishing, (Marceline), 1960.
* Harding, S.B., ''Life of George R. Smith, Founder of Sedalia, Mo., in its Relations to the Political, Economic, and Social life of Southwestern Missouri, Before and During the Civil War'', Kessinger Publishing, 2007 (facsimile, reprint of 1904). {{ISBN|1-4304-4460-6}}
* Ihrig, B.B. et al. (eds), ''The First One Hundred Years, A History of the City of Sedalia, Missouri, 1860–1960'', Centennial History Committee, Sedalia, 1960.
* Imhauser, R.C.,  ''Images of America: Sedalia'', Arcadia Publishing, (Charleston), 2007. {{ISBN|0-7385-5087-6}}
* Lang, H.N., ''Life in Pettis County, 1815–1873'', Hazel N. Lang, (Sedalia), 1975.
* McComb, D.G., ''Texas: A Modern History'', University of Texas Press, (Austin), 1989. {{ISBN|0-292-74665-2}}
* Mueller, D.L., ''M. Jeff Thompson: Missouri's Swamp Fox of the Confederacy'', University of Missouri Press, (Columbia), 2007. {{ISBN|0-8262-1724-9}}
* Murray, William D., "The History of the Boy Scouts of America" Boy Scouts of America (New York) 1937 - Page 21* North, F.A., ''Hand-Book of Sedalia, Including Its History and Business Directory'', F. A. North, (Sedalia), 1882.
* Peters, J.A., ''Case Study of a Gathering: The Ozark Music Festival'', M.A. Dissertation, Central Missouri State University, 1992.
* Ruger, A., "Bird's eye view of the city of Sedalia, Pettis Co., Missouri 1869".[http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/map_item.pl?data=/home/www/data/gmd/gmd416/g4164/g4164s/pm004490.jp2&itemLink=r?ammem/gmd:@field(NUMBER+@band(g4164s+pm004490))&title=Bird%26apos;s+eye+view+of+the+city+of+Sedalia,+Pettis+Co.,+Missouri+1869.+Drawn+by+A.+Ruger.&style=gmd&legend=]
* Scotten, F.C., ''History of the Schools of Pettis County, Missouri, 1974; Prepared under the Direction of C. F. Scotten'', C.F. Scotton, (Sedalia) 1974.
* Snider, R.L., ''The Show Must Go On. A Plan for Rehabilitating an Historic Theatre: Case Studies of Three Historic Theatre Rehabilitations in Missouri'', Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Missouri–Columbia, 1999.
* Swearingen, "Sedalia's Founding Mother", ''Preservation Issues'', Vol.4, No.2, ?1995.
* Thelen, D.P., ''Paths of Resistance: Tradition and Dignity in Industrializing Missouri'', Oxford University Press, 1986. {{ISBN|0-19-503667-0}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=plKMcFHtczgC&q=Women+in+towns Whites, L., Neth, M. & Kremer, G.R. (eds), ''Women in Missouri History: In Search of Power and Influence''], [[University of Missouri Press]], (Columbia), 2004. {{ISBN|0-8262-1526-2}}
* [http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/96001189.pdf United States Department of the Interior, National Register of Historic Places, 217 West Main Street Building, Sedalia]
* Yanow, S., ''Jazz: A Regional Exploration'', Greenwood Press, (Westport), 2005.  {{ISBN|0-313-32871-4}}
{{div col end}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{NSRW Poster|Sedalia, Mo.}}
* {{Official website|http://www.cityofsedalia.com}}
* [http://www.visitsedaliamo.com Sedalia Convention and Visitors Bureau]
* [http://www.sedaliachamber.com Sedalia Chamber of Commerce]
* Historic maps of Sedalia in the [http://dl.mospace.umsystem.edu/mu/islandora/object/mu%3A138959 Sanborn Maps of Missouri Collection] at the [[University of Missouri]]

{{Pettis County, Missouri}}
{{Missouri}}
{{Missouri county seats}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Sedalia, Missouri| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Pettis County, Missouri]]
[[Category:Cities in Missouri]]
[[Category:County seats in Missouri]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1857]]
[[Category:1857 establishments in Missouri]]