Sedalia

Sedalia is a city in Pettis County, Missouri, United States, and the county seat. It is located in central Missouri and serves as the principal city of the Sedalia micropolitan area. The population is approximately 20,000 residents. Sedalia sits on a historic railroad corridor that contributed to its development as a regional center for agriculture and commerce.

History: Sedalia emerged in the 1860s during railroad expansion and grew as a commercial and agricultural hub. The exact origin of the name is not definitively documented. Through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city expanded with rail facilities, schools, and businesses that shaped its regional role.

Economy and institutions: Sedalia hosts the Missouri State Fair at the Missouri State Fairgrounds, a tradition dating to 1901. State Fair Community College operates a campus in Sedalia, and the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art on that campus offers rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary works. The local economy includes education, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and services.

Culture and attractions: The city is known for the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, celebrating the composer who lived in Sedalia in the 1890s. Historic downtown, parks, and cultural institutions contribute to the area’s vibrancy, with museums and cultural events reflecting its heritage and community life.

Transportation: Sedalia is connected by major highways, notably U.S. Route 50, and is integrated into regional rail and road networks that link it to central Missouri and beyond. The city serves as a regional hub for residents and visitors accessing services, education, and entertainment.