September 8, 2007

William Woodruff, usually known for founding the Arkansas Gazette, the territory’s first newspaper, also accomplished other notable feats. He also founded the Arkansas Democrat and, in 1821, published the territory’s first book, Laws of the Territory of Arkansas. In 1826, he started the first circulating library in the territory. While journalism is usually considered his livelihood, he is said to have gained greater wealth from a land agency he formed in 1823.