The Keep in Sedalia, CO

History of The Keep

In 1861 the land now designated as The Keep was offered to settlers in quarter-section parcels. Each homesteader had but to build a house, cultivate the land, and live on the property. Then after five years, the new Colorado Territory families were allowed to purchase their land from the federal government for $1.25 per acre.

When philanthropist, art collector, and all-around prominent citizen, Tweet Kimball took over the land, she quickly fell in love with the natural wonder surrounding her. Eventually Tweet entrusted 1,000 acres of her beloved “Summer Pasture” to residential development and the remaining 3,500 acres to the Cherokee Ranch and Castle Foundation. The Foundation placed a conservation easement on the undeveloped land in 1996, guaranteeing that it will remain undeveloped.

Cherokee Ranch Castle

Originally, Charles Alfred and Alice Johnson intended to build a modest home on their 160-acre piece of Heaven. But perhaps in homage to the magnificent expanse of land before them or because of their interest in English and Scottish architecture, their plans grew.

Ultimately, a castle designed by renowned Denver architect Burnham Hoyt rambled to 26 rooms and more than 10,000 square feet. The castle was purchased in 1954 by Tweet Kimball, who renamed the edifice Cherokee Castle.

Cherokee Castle is a distinctive landmark with expansive views of the Front Range. Home to a diverse collection of art and antiques, the castle exhibits paintings by fifteenth and sixteenth century European artists and original drawings by Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St. Paul’s cathedral in London. Today, the castle continues to be a destination for all who are interested in history and art.