Dwight Mission, Oklahoma facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dwight Mission
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 Dwight Mission
Location in Oklahoma
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oklahoma |
| County | Sequoyah |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.85 sq mi (12.56 km2) |
| • Land | 4.80 sq mi (12.43 km2) |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2) |
| Elevation | 600 ft (200 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 76 |
| • Density | 15.84/sq mi (6.12/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CST) |
| FIPS code | 40-22275 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2408698 |
Dwight Mission is a small community in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP), which means it's a special area defined by the government for counting people. Dwight Mission is part of the larger Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma area. In 2020, 76 people lived there. Today, it is home to the Dwight Mission Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center.
Contents
History of Dwight Mission
How Dwight Mission Started
The first Dwight Mission was set up in August 1820. It was located on Illinois Bayou, near what is now Russellville, Arkansas. The mission was named after Rev. Timothy Dwight IV, who was the President of Yale University. He was an important member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. This group helped set up missions.
Moving to a New Home
In 1828, the Western Cherokees, a group of Native Americans, had to move. They left Arkansas and went to a place called Indian Territory. This area is now part of Oklahoma. Because of this move, Dwight Mission also had to relocate.
It was rebuilt on Sallisaw Creek in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma. This new spot was about 12 miles (19 km) from where Sallisaw Creek meets the Arkansas River. It was also 30 miles (48 km) east of Fort Gibson, a military fort.
Life at the Mission
The new Dwight Mission opened on May 1, 1830. It was a busy place with many buildings. There were 21 houses, a large dining hall, a barn, and other useful buildings.
For many years, the site was used for schools. These were both local schools and schools run by the Cherokee tribe. The schools were open until 1948. However, they were closed during the Civil War and again from 1884 to 1886.
Dwight Mission Today
In 1950, the Presbyterian Church USA bought the property. Since then, Dwight Mission has been used as a church camp. It is also a retreat center where people can go for quiet reflection and group activities.
Geography of Dwight Mission
Dwight Mission covers a total area of about 1.8 square miles (4.7 square kilometers). Most of this area, about 1.8 square miles (4.7 square kilometers), is land. A very small part, about 0.04 square miles (0.10 square kilometers), is water.
People of Dwight Mission
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 76 | — | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 32 people living in Dwight Mission. These people lived in 12 different homes, and 8 of these were families. The population count increased to 76 people by 2020.
Most of the people in 2000 were White (about 68.75%). About 28.12% were Native American. A small number (3.12%) were from two or more racial backgrounds.
The average home had about 2.67 people living in it. The average family had about 3.13 people.
The ages of the people living there varied. About 9.4% were under 18 years old. About 21.9% were 65 years or older. The average age was 45 years old.
