Sequoyah was the first

Writing system remains singular accomplishmentMore than 185 years after he created a writing system for the Cherokee people, Sequoyah's accomplishment remains unprecedented.

"In 5,000 years of written, recorded human civilization, no one person who could not read or write themselves had ever, by themselves, created a writing system,” said Charlie Rhodarmer, manager/director of the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn.