Dwight Presbyterian Mission facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dwight Mission
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Marble City, Oklahoma |
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| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| Built | 1923 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001570 |
| Added to NRHP | March 20, 1973 |
Dwight Presbyterian Mission was one of the very first American missions created to help Native American people. It started in 1820 near Russellville, Arkansas. Its goal was to serve the Cherokee people living in Arkansas. In 1828, the Cherokee had to move to a new area called Indian Territory. So, the mission moved too. It was set up again in 1829 near Marble City, Oklahoma. Today, Dwight Mission is recognized as an important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Mission's Early Days
How Dwight Mission Began
The idea for Dwight Mission came from Tahlonteeskee. He was the main chief of the Western Cherokees. After visiting another mission in 1818, he asked for a similar one for his people. The mission was founded in August 1820. It was located on Illinois Bayou near what is now Russellville, Arkansas. Cephas Washburn started the mission.
Who Was Timothy Dwight?
The mission was named after Reverend Timothy Dwight IV. He was the president of Yale College. He was also a member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. After Chief Tahlonteeskee passed away, his brother John Jolly continued to support the mission.
Life at the First Mission Site
By 1824, Dwight Mission was like a small town. It had everything needed on the frontier. There were at least 24 buildings. These included homes for missionaries, students, and staff. There was also a library, post office, and pharmacy all in one. Other buildings included a dining hall, a storehouse, and a blacksmith shop. There was even a stable and a barn.
Moving to a New Home
Why the Mission Moved
A new agreement between the Cherokees and the United States changed things. In 1828, the Arkansas Cherokees had to move. They relocated to a place called Indian Territory. Because of this, Dwight Mission also had to move.
Starting Over in Oklahoma
The mission was reestablished in May 1829. Its new location was on Sallisaw Creek. This is near the city of Marble City, Oklahoma. The school at the new site opened on May 1, 1830. At first, there was a log house that served as both a school and living quarters. Several other log houses were built for the staff.
Growth at the New Location
Eventually, the new mission grew quite a bit. It had 21 houses, a dining hall, and a barn. There were also many other small buildings. At its busiest, the mission had over a dozen staff members. It also taught 80 students. Its main goal was to educate Cherokee children. It also introduced them to the Christian religion.
Important Work with the Cherokee Language
Samuel Worcester worked at the mission in 1835. He had helped the Cherokee people in Georgia before they moved. He created the special letters for the Cherokee syllabary. This was used for their first newspaper, the Cherokee Phoenix. In 1837, the first printing press for the Cherokee language moved to Dwight Mission. This press was very important for sharing news and stories. In 1839, many more Cherokee people arrived. They had been forced to move from the Southeast on the Trail of Tears.
Challenges and Changes
The Civil War's Impact
During the American Civil War, many mission buildings were destroyed. Fighting between different groups caused the damage. The last church service was in November 1862. After that, the mission was left empty. Private owners then took over the land. By 1884, only two of the original buildings were left.
Reopening the School
The Cherokee National Council decided to reopen the school in 1886. The Presbyterian Women's Board of Home Missions provided money for this. A large building was constructed. It became a boarding school for Cherokee girls. After 1895, it changed to a day school. Then, in 1900, it became a boarding school again. This time, it was for both boys and girls.
A Tragic Fire
On January 12, 1918, a terrible fire broke out. It burned down the Dwight Mission School dormitory. Thirteen students sadly lost their lives. The boys were between 9 and 17 years old. They were trapped on a screened porch. Their bodies were returned to their hometowns. A memorial was built for them in the Dwight Mission Cemetery.
Later Years and Closure
By 1944, the mission was known as Dwight Indian Training School. The Presbyterian Church USA ran it. It served 71 students, mostly Cherokee and Choctaw. The school finally closed its doors in 1948.
Dwight Mission Today
Preserving History
In 1950, some Presbyterian church members wanted to save the property. They felt it was important due to its long history. They formed a group called Dwight Mission, Inc. This group bought the property in 1951 for $35,000. For the next 30 years, Dwight Mission, Inc. and the Synod of Oklahoma managed the programs.
A Place for Camps and Retreats
Today, Dwight Mission is a Presbyterian camp. It also serves as a retreat and conference center. It is located between Marble City and Sallisaw, Oklahoma. It is still listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical markers also show where the original mission was in Arkansas.
New Ownership
In June 2021, the Cherokee Nation acquired Dwight Mission. This means the Cherokee Nation now owns and cares for this important historical site.
