King of the Wild Frontier

When I was very young – younger even than Ben – my hero was Davy Crockett. I checked out the biography book from the school library so many times that by the end of 4th Grade, I was literally the only name on the check out card. Yes, I had the requisite coonskin cap and yes, my family and friends called me “Davy.” No… you may not call me that unless you happen to be my favorite Aunt who makes me delicious pecan pies every holiday season.

In later years, I would learn of his service as a politician, and become ever more enamored with his life.  Would that politicians today would study his service in Congress and try to emulate him.

The only reason that I have the Disney+ streaming service is to watch Fess Parker play Davy Crockett . At one point I had all the lines memorized, but these days, it’s hard to remember them. I never liked John Wayne’s portrayal of him. Crockett was not a large man, which made so many of his accomplishments seem larger. Especially to a very small (back then) young boy. The later film with Billy Bob Thornton was okay, but it spent too much capital trying to play down the legend instead of just letting the viewer decide for themselves.

Of all the characters in American history, you can be sure that when I have my dinner for five (you know the game), Davy Crockett will be seated next to me…

When you hear the name ‘Davy Crockett,’ you might immediately think of the coonskin cap-wearing frontiersman who has been immortalized in American folklore and pop culture. Tales of his adventures have been passed down through generations, painting a portrait of a larger-than-life hero. But who was the real Davy Crockett, and how did he become such an enduring figure in American history? Let’s dive into the life of this legendary man and uncover the reality behind the myths.

Born on August 17, 1786, in what is now Greene County, Tennessee, David “Davy” Crockett grew up in the rugged frontier of the American South. He was the fifth of nine children in the Crockett family. The Crockett’s were of Irish descent and had settled in East Tennessee a few decades prior.

Davy’s early life was filled with hardships. He was just 12 years old when he began supporting his family, taking on manual labor after his father accrued a significant debt. This difficult period instilled in him a fierce independence and a survival instinct that would come to define his later adventures.

Crockett’s first foray into the military was during the Creek War in 1813-1814, where he served under Andrew Jackson. This war, part of the larger War of 1812, pitted U.S. forces and their Native American allies against the Creek Nation. Crockett’s contributions during this time showcased his skills as a scout and marksman.

Following his military service, Crockett turned his attention to politics. He had a natural charisma that endeared him to people and began his political career as a commissioner in Lawrence County, Tennessee. He soon climbed the ranks, serving as a justice of the peace, a colonel in the militia, and eventually, in 1821, he was elected to the Tennessee State Legislature.

Crockett’s political journey didn’t stop there. In 1827, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. During his time in Congress, he often went against the grain, opposing many of President Andrew Jackson’s policies, including the Indian Removal Act. This act, which resulted in the forced relocation of several Native American tribes, was deeply unpopular in Crockett’s constituency, and his vocal opposition reflected his commitment to representing their interests.

There’s an often-recited tale about Davy Crockett, the famed frontiersman and Congressman, which not only sheds light on his character but also on the principles he held dear.

During his tenure in Congress, Crockett once voted for a relief bill that would allocate $20,000 to assist the families affected by a fire in Georgetown. He believed it to be a compassionate and necessary measure. However, not long after, he was met with a pointed lesson from one of his constituents, Horatio Bunce.

One day, as the legend goes, while Crockett was back home in Tennessee and touring his district, he was approached by Bunce. The man had a bone to pick. He recognized Crockett’s goodwill but questioned the constitutionality of the Congressman’s vote. Bunce argued that while individual charity was noble, the government had no right, as per the Constitution, to involve itself in charitable endeavors using taxpayer money.

He told Crockett, “The power of collecting and disbursing money at pleasure is the most dangerous power that can be entrusted to man.” Bunce further elucidated that if Congress could allocate $20,000 for one purpose, it could allocate millions for reasons that might not benefit the constituents or the nation at large.

This encounter profoundly impacted Crockett. It wasn’t just a lesson on the Constitution, but a lesson on representative democracy. Bunce’s argument was clear: A representative’s first duty is to uphold the Constitution, even when faced with emotionally charged decisions.

Inspired by the conversation, Crockett vowed never again to vote for any bill that wasn’t strictly constitutional. He even addressed the House, admitting his error and emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Constitution.

This tale, whether fully true (and I believe that it is) or somewhat embellished over time, exemplifies the principles Crockett stood for – a commitment to the Constitution, humility to admit mistakes, and a willingness to learn. It’s a powerful reminder that our elected officials, no matter how noble their intentions, must always consider the larger implications of their actions and remain true to the founding principles of the nation.

While Crockett’s political and military accomplishments were significant, it was the tales of his hunting exploits and wilderness adventures that truly captured the public’s imagination. Stories of him wrestling bears, hunting with prowess, and living off the land were widely circulated. By the 1830s, plays, almanacs, and dime novels celebrating his deeds were popular throughout the nation. The line between the man and the myth became increasingly blurred.

Perhaps the most defining chapter in Crockett’s life came in 1836, at the Battle of the Alamo. After a falling out with his constituents and a failed re-election bid, Crockett left Tennessee and headed to Texas, which was in the throes of a revolution against Mexican rule.

Crockett joined the Texan forces at the Alamo, a former mission in San Antonio. The defenders of the Alamo, vastly outnumbered, faced a 13-day siege by the Mexican Army led by General Santa Anna. On March 6, 1836, the Alamo fell. Crockett, along with the other defenders, perished.

While the specifics of Crockett’s final stand are the subject of debate, his bravery became symbolic of the Texan spirit and the fight for independence. The phrase “Remember the Alamo!” became a rallying cry for Texans, who eventually defeated the Mexican forces and secured their independence.

The death of Crockett at the Alamo solidified his status as an American legend. The tales of his life, both real and exaggerated, continued to flourish. In the 20th century, movies, television shows, and songs further popularized his legend, introducing him to new generations.

But beyond the coonskin caps and tall tales lies the legacy of a real man who represented a spirit of rugged individualism and bravery. Davy Crockett, the frontiersman, the politician, and the hero, embodies the essence of an era when the American frontier was a place of adventure, challenges, and opportunities.

Davy Crockett continues to inspire me. There are those who demand that a historian separate the myth from the man. But here’s the thing, when it comes to Davy Crockett, the myths are the man. He knew what was true and most of his friends and family did as well. His myths reminded us of essential truths and inculcated those values into me and millions of others.

which is why, by the by, we tell tall tales of the heroes of yesterday. Like Davy Crockett