Black Oak Ranch Owner
Meet Charles
Welcome to Black Oak Ranch, a premier horse boarding facility and event center nestled in the heart of Lone Jack, Missouri. Owned and operated by Charles Wilbers, Black Oak Ranch continues a legacy of horsemanship and hospitality while embracing new growth and opportunity.
Born and raised in Versailles, Missouri, Charles grew up surrounded by horses and the values of hard work and dedication that come with them. A lifelong barrel horse owner, his journey in the equine world includes performing professionally for the world-famous Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.
After moving to the Kansas City area in 2020, Charles purchased Black Oak Ranch on October 15th, 2025, with a vision to build upon its strong foundation — creating a place where horses and riders can thrive. Today, the ranch offers top-quality boarding options, spacious pastures, and a welcoming event space designed for equine shows, clinics, and community gatherings.
At Black Oak Ranch, every detail reflects pride, care, and authenticity — where professionalism meets the relaxed charm of Missouri country living.
Black Oak Ranch
Black Oak Ranch is located just outside southeast Kansas City in Lone Jack, Missouri. It is convenient property offering exceptional amenities. This facility boasts top-tier horse boarding services, both indoor and outdoor equine training arenas, and a stunning property that leaves a lasting impression.
The name "Black Oak Ranch" pays homage to Lone Jack's rich history, specifically the iconic "blackjack oak tree."
A brief bit of Lone Jack history
Lone Jack, Missouri. Some of the earliest stories of "Lone Jack" can be traced back to a significant battle that unfolded in the area on August 16, 1862 — a pivotal event during the American Civil War.
Missouri was a border state during the Civil War, and grappled with divided loyalties, resulting in frequent clashes between Union and Confederate forces. In the summer of 1862, a band of Confederate guerrillas, led by William Clarke Quantrill, devised a plan to attack the Union-held town of Independence, Missouri.
However, Union forces got wind of the Confederate guerrillas' presence, prompting a detachment of approximately 250 soldiers under the leadership of Major Emory S. Foster to embark from Warrensburg to intercept them. The two factions clashed in proximity to a small town known as Lone Jack, aptly named after a prominent blackjack oak tree in the vicinity.
The Battle of Lone Jack ensued, characterized by intense combat spanning the entire day. Ultimately, the Confederate guerrillas managed to overpower the Union troops, compelling the Union forces to retreat. The town itself suffered considerable damage during the battle, becoming forever entwined with this historic event.
The name "Lone Jack" became forever linked to both the battle and the town where it unfolded. Over time, the town formally adopted the name "Lone Jack," serving as a lasting reminder of the Civil War's impact on the region.
The precise origin of the name "Lone Jack" before the Civil War battle remains somewhat unclear. While the battle indeed transpired near a small town named Lone Jack, various accounts exist regarding why the town itself received this moniker. A popular theory says that "Lone Jack" draws its name from a solitary blackjack oak tree that prominently graced the area. This tree, affectionately known as "Lone Jack," purportedly served as a landmark for travelers and locals, eventually bestowing its name upon the nearby town.
Today, the quaint and thriving little town of Lone Jack, Missouri, stands as a testament to its historical legacy. It serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of the Civil War on the region but lives far beyond that legacy.
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