Joel Poinsett, an intelligent but sickly boy, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to wealthy parents. After getting his education in Europe, Poinsett dropped out of medical school to travel.

In the course of his travels, Poinsett met Napoleon, Queen Louise of Prussia, and the Russian Czar, who sent him on an official tour of southern Russia from which only he and two others returned.

In 1809, President Madison sent Poinsett to South America, where he served as the consul to Buenos Aires, Chile, and Peru. He became a controversial figure when he supported Chilean revolutionaries.

He returned to America during the War of 1812. For a time he joined the establishment. He became a member of the South Carolina legislature and a congressman.

In 1825, however, Poinsett was appointed the first American minister to Mexico. Here his revolutionary spirit was revived. He was asked to leave by the government he helped to overthrow, and then again by the government that replaced it.

Poinsett didn't discover the red-leafed flower that he sent home. In fact, it had been introduced into the United States earlier. But Poinsett was so well known for his fiery spirit that the colorful flower came to be called the poinsettia.