Pictured: Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia
Thanks to your support, a historic landmark will live on in Douglas County. At their July 22 Business Meeting, Douglas County Commissioners approved $575,000 to go toward repairs and to support continued public access at the historic Cherokee Ranch and Castle in Sedalia.
The funds will come from the voter-approved Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Sales Fund. In 2022, more than 87% of voters approved to extend the previous tax, which is earmarked for the acquisition, administration, planning, development, operations and maintenance of parks, trails, open space and historic properties.
The approved $575,000 will be used to repair the castle’s exterior concrete, roofing, awning, and property fencing, interior repairs and painting, and to identify future historic preservation needs. The funding agreement also allows Douglas County Commissioners to appoint two members to the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation Board.
About Cherokee Ranch and Castle
The Cherokee Castle was built atop a hill outside Sedalia over a century ago. This Scottish-style 15th-century castle sits among 3,441 acres of natural beauty and wildlife, which is also protected through a Conservation Easement formed in 1996 as a partnership between Douglas County, The Douglas County Open Lands Coalition and then-owner Tweet Kimball. The Castle and property are operated by the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation, which seeks to preserve the natural environment, enhance cultural life and provide educational opportunities to visitors. The Castle houses an array of art, rare books, antiques and other historical artifacts. The property is also a working cattle ranch and is home to a continued ranching legacy raising generations of Tweet Kimball’s Santa Gertrudis cattle herd.
Visit the Cherokee Ranch and Castle webpage to learn about public events, venue rental and educational opportunities.