Elias Boudinot

Biography

Elias Boudinot was a distinguished Cherokee leader and editor who played a crucial role in the intellectual and political life of the Cherokee Nation during the early nineteenth century. Born in 1802, Boudinot was educated in the traditions of both his people and the broader American society, and he used his considerable talents to advance the cause of Cherokee sovereignty and cultural preservation.

As the editor of the Cherokee Phoenix, the first Native American newspaper, Boudinot worked tirelessly to document and promote Cherokee language, culture, and governance. His life was tragically cut short in 1839, but his legacy as a leader, editor, and advocate for his people remains profound. He was laid to rest at Park Hill, a significant site in Cherokee history, where he is remembered as one of the most important figures in nineteenth-century Native American intellectual and political life.