Lac qui Parle Mission, established in western Minnesota in June 1835 near the “lake which speaks,” became one of the earliest centers of Christian missionary work among the Dakota before Minnesota was a territory. Founded by Thomas Smith Williamson and Alexander Huggins at Joseph Renville’s invitation, it was especially important for language study: the first Dakota dictionary was written there, and part of the Bible was first translated into Dakota at the site. For nearly twenty years it was a place of sustained contact between missionaries and Dakota communities, until relations deteriorated after Renville’s death and the missionaries departed in 1854. The site also preserves remains of Fort Renville, an important nearby trading post.