Report of Mr. Wood's Visit to the Choctaw and Cherokee Missions. 1855

In the spring of 1855 a dedicated missionary secretary set out from New York on a long, river‑bound journey into the heart of the American South‑West. He traveled the Ohio, Mississippi, and White rivers before reaching the Choctaw Nation, where he spent weeks visiting a string of remote stations, from Stockbridge to Spencer, before moving on to Cherokee settlements such as Dwight and Park Hill.

During his brief but intensive stay, he was welcomed with warm hospitality and daily prayers, giving him a vivid glimpse of daily life on the missions. He listened to the concerns of local leaders—particularly the tensions surrounding boarding schools and other practical difficulties—while sharing stories of spiritual perseverance and communal hope.

The report captures the earnest dialogue between the missionaries and the board that sent him, offering a snapshot of mid‑century religious outreach, cultural exchange, and the challenges of sustaining education and faith among the Choctaw and Cherokee peoples.