Sedalia Katy Depot
An Artifact and Community Landmark!
The Sedalia Katy Depot was built in 1896 by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway. Designed by noted architect Bradford Gilbert, this landmark was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, assuring its well-deserved place in history. Serving as a train passenger station and division point headquarters until 1958, the building then experienced over forty years of disuse and neglect. Following a $3 million restoration, the building was rededicated in 2001 and now serves the public as a year-round visitor destination, Sedalia’s Welcome Center, a heritage interpretive center, major trailhead along the Katy Trail State Park, and administrative offices for the Sedalia Heritage Foundation, the Convention & Visitors Bureau and Tourism Commission, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation.
As a year-round destination, the Katy Depot connects visitors to our railroad heritage and interprets its impact upon growth and development of our community. Various methods of interpretation instill an appreciation of history and an understanding of the railroad’s influence upon Sedalia; an awareness of the people who impacted its history; a connection that encourages a love of trains in our youth; and a recognition of historic preservation and its role in saving the Katy Depot as a treasured landmark.
Sedalia’s Welcome Center in the Katy Depot consistently serves an estimated 10,000 visitors, newcomers and area residents each year. The Katy Depot is recognized as the location for community information, directions and referrals. It is the beginning point for Sedalia’s Heritage Trail and a major trailhead for Katy Trail State Park and has been designated by the Missouri Division of Tourism as an Affiliate State Visitor Center.
The original 1896 Depot first floor layout included a ticket office, women’s and men’s waiting rooms, an all-night lunchroom for railroad employees, a kitchen, a formal dining room for the public, and a baggage room. The second floor housed offices of division point employees including resident engineers and telegraphers. Today, this beautifully restored space’s original purpose is interpreted through unique exhibits.
Scale-sized period buildings serve as exhibit cases that put a face on Sedalia’s heart and history. Each building displays graphic panels and artifact “windows” that tell the story of the railroad’s influence on Sedalia. The exhibit also includes a working telegraph, a DVD presentation, youth activity room and interpretive panels that help visitors learn about the Katy Depot Historic Site. Storyboards introduce people who have shaped Sedalia’s destiny. Temporary and traveling exhibits are also showcased with pecial events complementing these exhibits. Guided and self-guided tours are available.
The gift and souvenir store offers a unique assortment of products encompassing Sedalia’s diverse heritage. Merchandise lines include Missouri-made products, something for the rail fan, history buff, ragtime enthusiast, Katy Trail user, as well as souvenirs and any occasion gifts.
Our online store offers customers another secure and convenient way to shop.
The former women’s waiting room hosts Sedalia Heritage Foundation sponsored events, as well as the community’s Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival events. It is also made available for private functions and temporary exhibits. Kids’ activities include a youth play room and youth tours.
