Davy Crockett, born David Crockett on August 17, 1786, was a notable American frontiersman, soldier, and statesman. Renowned for his coonskin cap, he gained fame as a skilled woodsman and became a legendary figure in American folklore. His exploits and tall tales earned him the nickname “King of the Wild Frontier.”
Raised in East Tennessee, Crockett’s prowess in hunting and storytelling became well-known. He served in the Tennessee militia during the Creek War and later represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives. Crockett’s life came to a heroic end at the Battle of the Alamo, where he fought for Texas’s independence. His legacy as an American folk hero endures through stories of his adventurous spirit and frontier wisdom.
Davy Crockett’s Childhood
Born in Green County, Tennessee, Davy Crockett was the son of John and Rebecca Hawkins Crockett. His early years were shaped by various odd jobs and learning the essential skills of a woodsman. At the young age of eight, Crockett’s father introduced him to shooting a rifle. By the time he turned 13, his father had paid for him to attend school for a brief period. However, after an incident where Crockett attacked a bully, he ran away from home to avoid punishment.
For the next two and a half years, Crockett supported himself by moving from job to job as he traveled through Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland. During this time, he honed his abilities in hunting, trapping, and shooting. His journey across these states not only developed his woodsman skills but also shaped his character and independence.
Crockett returned home when he was nearly 16. His family, surprised and overjoyed, barely recognized him at first. The reunion was emotional, and it deeply affected Crockett. He was particularly moved by the joy of his mother and sisters. This emotional homecoming marked a significant point in his growth.
To help his family financially, Crockett hired himself out voluntarily for the next year or two. His father’s debts were substantial, and Crockett’s contributions were crucial. He also decided to go back to school for about six months during this period. This brief return to education allowed him to learn to read and write, skills that would later aid him in his adult life.
On August 14, 1806, Crockett married his first wife, Molly “Polly” Finley. Despite objections from Polly’s mother due to Crockett’s lack of financial stability, the couple received her blessing after Crockett demonstrated his commitment by selling his Kentucky rifle and saving enough money to buy a horse for his fiancée. They settled on a farm in Franklin County, Tennessee, which Crockett named “Kentuck.” Together, they had three children, establishing the beginnings of their family life in the new home they built.
Crockett’s Military Life
Davy Crockett’s military career began during the Creek War in 1813. Despite objections from his wife, he enlisted in the Second Regiment of the Volunteer Mounted Riflemen. His early Service involved scouting and fighting against the Red Stick Creek Indians. A significant battle he participated in was the Battle of Tallushatchee. Crockett’s role was crucial as he and his fellow soldiers fought not just the enemy but also starvation due to limited supplies.
In addition to his duties in the Creek War, Crockett’s military engagements extended to other conflicts. He later became involved in the War of 1812, serving as a soldier in the Tennessee militia. His actions and bravery earned him recognition, and he rose to the rank of Third Sergeant.
Crockett’s military service continued into the Texas Revolution. He joined the fight against the Mexican army and took part in the defense efforts at Nacogdoches. His commitment to these causes showcased his dedication as a soldier, frontiersman, and leader. Throughout his career, Crockett’s experiences and actions in the military were a testament to his resilience and leadership.
Crockett Joins the Political Landscape
Davy Crockett’s political journey began in 1817 when he became Justice of the Peace in Lawrence County, Tennessee. The following year, he took on additional roles, serving as Town Commissioner and Colonel of the 57th militia regiment. These positions helped him establish a foundation in local governance.
In 1821, Crockett stepped down to pursue a seat in the Tennessee Legislature. He won the elections in both 1821 and 1823, representing counties like Hickman and Lawrence. His focus was on advocating for the underprivileged farmers in these areas. Crockett’s aim was to improve the lives of these “squatters,” people who lived on land they didn’t own.
In 1825, Crockett lost his bid for the U.S. Congress and shifted his focus to barrel manufacturing. Unfortunately, disaster struck when his ship sank during a trip to New Orleans, nearly costing him his life. Returning to Tennessee, he again aimed for Congress, this time securing a seat in 1827. His constant pursuit of pushing a land bill to benefit poor farmers showed his commitment to his people.
Crockett’s bold stance deteriorated relationships with President Andrew Jackson and his Indian Removal Act of 1830. He was the only Tennessee representative to oppose the act, causing friction. Consequentially, Crockett lost his reelection the following year.
In 1831, Crockett’s fame soared when the play The Lion of the West featured a character modeled after him. An unauthorized and exaggerated biography further cemented his legendary status, compelling him to write his autobiography in 1834 to clarify his true exploits. Back in the spotlight, he scored another term in the House of Representatives in the 1833 elections.
Though he found renewed popularity, Crockett remained an anti-Jacksonian, aligning with the Whig Party. The Whigs supported him during the height of the Bank War when Jackson aimed to dismantle the Second National Bank. Crockett, siding with the Whigs, soon found himself on a national book tour, boosting his profile as a potential presidential candidate.
Despite his burgeoning fame, Crockett struggled with legislative success. In 1835, after losing his seat again, he grew disillusioned. His efforts to pass beneficial land policies had failed, and he felt used by the Whigs. Seeking a new life, Crockett looked toward Texas, lured by the promise of land for those fighting in the Texas Revolution. Financial troubles compounded his decision.
His departure for Texas marked a key turning point in his life, symbolized by his iconic declaration:
“I told the people of my district that I would serve them faithfully as I had done; but if not, they might go to hell, and I will go to Texas.”
— David Crockett
Crockett’s journey from local politics to national stage, characterized by his defiance of powerful figures and devotion to aiding the disenfranchised, painted him as a tenacious and principled leader.
Davy Crockett at the Alamo
Davy Crockett arrived in Texas amidst political confusion, with revolutionaries split over their support for different American political parties. Aligning himself with Colonel William B. Travis, Crockett joined the defenders at the Alamo in San Antonio. Travis had previously disobeyed orders from Sam Houston to abandon the fort, a decision that would prove fateful.
On February 23, 1836, General Santa Anna led 2,000 Mexican troops to the Alamo. The Texan defenders, numbering between 185 and 260, held their ground for 13 days. The siege ended on March 6th with the fall of the Alamo. The fate of Davy Crockett during the battle remains uncertain; some accounts suggest he died in combat, while others propose he was captured and later executed. Regardless, Crockett’s actions at the Alamo cemented his legacy as a heroic figure in American and Texan history.
How many bears did Davy Crockett kill?
Davy Crockett, renowned for his hunting prowess, often shared remarkable tales of his adventures. In his autobiography, he claimed to have killed 105 bears during a short span of seven months between 1825 and 1826. This impressive feat contributed to his legendary status as the “King of the Wild Frontier.”
Crockett began hunting to provide for his family, but his passion for the activity didn’t wane even when their needs were met. He frequently roamed the wilderness with his rifle, seeking out opportunities to hunt various animals. His accounts often highlight the sheer number of beasts he encountered and dispatched, particularly bears. His notable tally of 105 bears in one year showcases both his hunting skills and the abundance of game in the Tennessee wilderness.
How Did Davy Crockett Die?
Davy Crockett died on March 6, 1836, during the Battle of the Alamo. There are conflicting accounts of how he met his end. For a long time, it was commonly believed that he died while defending the Alamo and was among the last of the defenders. Reports from Susanna Dickinson, who survived the battle, suggested that Crockett was one of the first to fall outside the Alamo.
Joe, the enslaved person of William Barret Travis, described finding Crockett’s body among many Mexican soldiers’ corpses. Yet, another perspective emerged in 1975 with the discovery of Lieutenant José Enrique de la Peña’s diary. Peña claimed to have witnessed the capture and subsequent execution of seven Texian soldiers including Crockett. He reported that these men were ordered to be executed by General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
The authenticity of Peña’s diary remains controversial. If his account is accurate, Crockett was not killed in combat but executed. If the diary is a forgery, the initial belief that Crockett died in the fierce fighting of the Alamo stands.
Conclusion
Davy Crockett’s life embodies the spirit of adventure, resilience, and dedication to freedom that defined early American history. From his humble beginnings in Tennessee to his legendary stand at the Alamo, Crockett’s story highlights the rugged individualism and frontier courage that helped shape the United States.
