# Davy Crockett > American frontiersman and politician (1786–1836) **Wikidata**: [Q311070](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311070) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Crockett) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/davy-crockett ## Summary Davy Crockett was an American frontiersman, politician, and soldier who became a legendary figure in 19th-century American culture. Known for his exploits as a hunter, trapper, and military scout, he later served in the United States Congress before dying in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. ## Biography - Born: August 17, 1786, in Greene County, Tennessee (United States) - Nationality: United States - Education: No formal education recorded; self-taught - Known for: Service as a frontiersman, military scout, politician, and death at the Alamo - Employer(s): United States Army, Tennessee State Legislature, United States Congress - Field(s): Military, Politics, Frontier Exploration ## Contributions Davy Crockett made several notable contributions: - **Military Service**: Participated in the Creek War (1813–1814), where he served under General Andrew Jackson. - **Political Career**: Elected to the Tennessee State Legislature and later to the U.S. House of Representatives (1827–1831, 1833–1835), where he advocated for land grants and opposed President Andrew Jackson's policies. - **Cultural Legacy**: Became a folk hero through his storytelling, frontier persona, and autobiographical almanacs, which were widely read in the 1830s. - **Death at the Alamo**: Fought and died at the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, during the Texas Revolution, cementing his status as a martyr and national legend. ## FAQs **What is Davy Crockett known for?** Davy Crockett is best known as a frontiersman, folk hero, and politician who died fighting at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. His larger-than-life persona and autobiographical almanacs made him a symbol of American frontier spirit. **Where was Davy Crockett born?** He was born in Greene County, Tennessee, in the United States, on August 17, 1786. **Did Davy Crockett have a political career?** Yes, he served in the Tennessee State Legislature and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was known for his opposition to Andrew Jackson's policies. **What military conflicts was Davy Crockett involved in?** He fought in the Creek War (1813–1814) and later died in the Battle of the Alamo in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. **How did Davy Crockett die?** He died on March 6, 1836, during the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, where he was defending the Alamo mission against Mexican forces. **Was Davy Crockett educated?** He had no formal education but was known for his wit, storytelling, and self-taught knowledge of frontier life. **What is Davy Crockett's connection to Texas?** He moved to Texas in 1835, joined the Texas Revolution, and died during the defense of the Alamo, becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice. **Are there any memorials or places named after Davy Crockett?** Yes, Crockett County in Texas (established in 1875) and the Davy Crockett Weapon System (a recoilless gun) are named in his honor. ## Why They Matter Davy Crockett's legacy transcends his individual life, shaping American folklore and frontier mythology. His death at the Alamo elevated him to the status of a national martyr, and his life story became emblematic of American ideals like self-reliance, bravery, and resistance to tyranny. His influence extended into popular culture, inspiring books, films, and television shows that continue to celebrate his frontier persona. ## Notable For - Serving in the U.S. House of Representatives - Fighting and dying at the Battle of the Alamo - Being a folk hero and subject of autobiographical almanacs - Participation in the Creek War under Andrew Jackson - Inspiring the naming of Crockett County, Texas - Being the namesake of the Davy Crockett Weapon System - Symbolizing the American frontier spirit ## Body ### Early Life David "Davy" Crockett was born on August 17, 1786, in Greene County, Tennessee. He grew up in a rural frontier environment, where he learned to hunt, trap, and survive in the wilderness. He had no formal education but developed a reputation for storytelling and sharp wit. ### Military Service Crockett served as a scout and soldier during the Creek War (1813–1814), fighting under General Andrew Jackson. His military service established his reputation as a capable and fearless frontiersman. He later joined the Texas Revolution and died in the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, where he fought alongside other defenders against Mexican forces. ### Political Career Crockett entered politics in Tennessee, serving in the state legislature before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1827. He was re-elected in 1831 and 1833 but lost his seat in 1835 due to his opposition to President Andrew Jackson's policies, particularly the Indian Removal Act. His political stances emphasized land reform and frontier interests. ### Folk Hero and Cultural Impact Crockett's life was chronicled in popular almanacs during the 1830s, which he helped create. These publications, often written in his voice, portrayed him as a larger-than-life figure of the American frontier. His catchphrases, such as “Be sure you're right, then go ahead,” became iconic. ### Death and Legacy Crockett died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where he was defending the Alamo mission in San Antonio, Texas. His death turned him into a martyr and a symbol of American courage and defiance. His legacy was further immortalized in Walt Disney's 1950s television series, which revived public interest in his story. ### Honors and Namesakes Several entities are named in his honor: - **Crockett County, Texas**: Established in 1875. - **Davy Crockett Weapon System**: A nuclear-armed recoilless gun developed by the U.S. military. ### Personal Life and Identity Crockett was a self-made man who rose from humble beginnings to national prominence. He was married three times and had several children. His life embodied the American frontier spirit of independence, resilience, and adventure. ### Publications and Autobiographical Works Crockett's life was documented in a series of autobiographical almanacs published in the 1830s. These works, often ghostwritten, helped establish his public persona and contributed to his mythos. ### Representation in Popular Culture Crockett's image was popularized in the 20th century by Walt Disney’s "Davy Crockett" television miniseries in the 1950s, which sparked a nationwide craze. His coonskin cap became a cultural icon, worn by children across America. ### Final Years and Move to Texas In 1835, disillusioned with politics and facing financial difficulties, Crockett moved to Texas, which was then fighting for independence from Mexico. He joined the Texas Revolution and volunteered to defend the Alamo, where he met his end alongside fellow defenders. ### Historical Significance Davy Crockett remains a symbol of American frontier heroism. His life and death reflect the values of self-reliance, bravery, and resistance to oppression. His story continues to inspire generations as a defining figure of American identity. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. military officer 4. [A New Nation Votes: American Electoral Returns, 1788-1825](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/CD0202) 5. Library of the World's Best Literature 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. Virtual International Authority File 8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 9. RKDartists 10. SNAC 11. Find a Grave 12. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana 13. GeneaStar 14. Proleksis Encyclopedia 15. 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Crockett, David 16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 17. [Source](https://elections.lib.tufts.edu/catalog/CD0202) 18. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index4.html) 19. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/interactive/2022/congress-slaveowners-names-list/)