Joel Poinsett was an American politician and diplomat born on March 2, 1779, in Charleston, South Carolina. He is best known for serving as the first U.S. Minister to Mexico from 1825 to 1829. Poinsett played a significant role in U.S.-Mexico relations during his tenure. In addition to his diplomatic career, Poinsett was an avid botanist. He introduced the poinsettia, a popular holiday plant, to the United States after discovering it in Mexico. His contributions to both politics and botany have left a lasting legacy, particularly during the Christmas season.