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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
People File • Historical

Davy Crockett

Davy Crockett (born David Crockett; August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) was an American frontiersman, soldier, politician, and folk hero.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Davy Crockett was an American frontiersman, soldier, and politician who became a folk hero after his death at the Battle of the Alamo.

What it is

Davy Crockett (born David Crockett; August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) was a real historical figure from Tennessee. He served as a U.S. Representative and later joined the Texas Revolution, dying at the Alamo. His frontier image made him a lasting legend in American culture.

Key details

Crockett was born in eastern Tennessee in 1786 and grew up on the frontier. He served in Tennessee politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, known for independent views. In 1836, he went to Texas and died at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio.

Why it matters

Crockett's life and death turned him into a symbol of frontier independence and courage. His folk-hero status, amplified by stories and media, made him one of the most recognizable figures in American folklore, though later accounts often exaggerated his exploits.

In short

  • Born in 1786 in Tennessee; served as a U.S. Representative.
  • Died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
  • Became a folk hero and legendary figure in American popular culture.

Quick questions

Who was Davy Crockett?
He was an American frontiersman, soldier, politician, and folk hero best known for his frontier image, congressional service, and death at the Alamo.
When did Davy Crockett die?
He died on March 6, 1836.
Was Davy Crockett a real historical figure?
Yes. He was a documented historical person, though later stories about him were often exaggerated.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Davy-Crockett-American-frontiersman-and-politician
    Supports: Birth and death dates; American frontiersman and politician; legendary figure.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davy_Crockett
    Supports: Congressional service for Tennessee; Texas Revolution; death at the Alamo.
  3. American Battlefield Trust — https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/davy-crockett
    Supports: Birth and death dates; frontiersman and congressman; birthplace near modern-day Limestone, Tennessee.
  4. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/davy-crockett
    Supports: Born in eastern Tennessee; pioneer family background.
  5. Texas State Historical Association — https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/crockett-david
    Supports: Frontiersman, congressman, Alamo defender; birthplace in Greene County, Tennessee; legacy.
  6. Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/history/us-history-biographies/davy-crockett
    Supports: Political career, folk-hero status, and death at the Alamo.
  7. Smithsonian Magazine — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-davy-crockett-the-rugged-frontiersman-killed-at-the-alamo-became-an-unlikely-american-hero-180987140/
    Supports: Crockett as mythic frontier hero; death at the Alamo.