The Cherokee Phoenix plays an important role in the history of printing in the United States. It was the first national Native American newspaper in the United States, and was published in both English and Cherokee, utilizing the Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah, a Cherokee man (Round 130). In fact, it was one of the first texts to be printed in Cherokee. The first issue was published on February 21st, 1828, in New Echota, Georgia, which was the capital of the Cherokee Nation at the time, and publication ran for six years, until 1834 (Riley 666). It was printed on a press run by Elias Boudinot, the first editor of the Phoenix, along with Samuel Worcester, a local Christian missionary (Riley 667). The press itself was purchased by the Cherokee nation in 1825 for $1,500, and was a cast-iron hand press just large enough to print a 21 inch by 27 inch newspaper (Brannon 129, “The Press”).
In this exhibit, you will get to explore the history of the Cherokee tribe, learn more about important figures such as Sequoyah, Elias Boudinot, and Samuel Worcester, and even see copies of the Cherokee Phoenix itself. You will also learn about the printing press used to print the Cherokee Phoenix as well as its larger significance and legacy. I hope you enjoy.
Credits
Bailey Black