The Legacy of the Cherokee Phoenix Printing Press

The significance of the Cherokee Phoenix printing press is twofold. First, it was the first press to print in the Cherokee syllabary invented by Sequoyah, (Round 130). It used custom-designed type to provide the power of the printed word to a community that had previously been prevented from accessing it. The Phoenix printed bible sections, hymns, and government documents, including those regarding Cherokee removal efforts, all in Cherokee (White 1). This printing press made this information accessible to the masses and allowed the Cherokee to be remarkably well-informed for the time despite the language barrier.

Furthermore, the press allowed for the creation of the Cherokee Phoenix, which acted not only as a valuable collection of information, but also as a voice for the Cherokee people. While there were some disputes about what that voice should say, the fact that the Cherokee Nation had an outlet to speak freely and publicly is important. The press acted as a symbol of national unity and pride during a time when Cherokee culture and traditions were under attack (Round 130).

The Cherokee Phoenix printing press is both historical and culturally significant. It allowed for the creation of the first national Native American newspaper in the United States, and was the first to print in the newly-invented Cherokee syllabary. It also gave the Cherokee a symbol to rally around and gave them the ability to make their case concerning removal in a public forum. Most importantly, however, it serves as an important reminder of how accessibility of language and wide dissemination of information can be harnessed to take a stand against tyranny.