The mission was founded in 1821 near Russellville, Arkansas by Cephas Washburn. It was named for Rev. Timothy Dwight, president of Yale College and a corporate member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
The mission was later moved to a new location near Sallisaw, Oklahoma at the request of the Cherokee tribe. Its primary mission was to provide an education to Cherokee children and expose them to the Christian religion.
The school was closed in 1948 but Dwight Mission exists today as a Presbyterian camp, retreat, and conference center between Marble City and Sallisaw Oklahoma.
Historical markers exist at the original location in Arkansas.