Davy Crockett facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Davy Crockett
Portrait by Chester Harding, 1834
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee
In office March 4, 1833 – March 4, 1835
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Adam Huntsman
Constituency	12th district
In office March 4, 1827 – March 4, 1831
Preceded by	Adam Rankin Alexander
Succeeded by	William Fitzgerald
Constituency	9th district
Personal details
Born	David Crockett (1786-08-17)August 17, 1786 Limestone, Franklin, U.S. (now Tennessee)
Died	March 6, 1836(1836-03-06) (aged 49) San Antonio, Texas (now U.S.)
Cause of death	Battle of the Alamo
Political party	National Republican (before 1833) Whig (1833–1836)
Spouses	Polly Finley ​ ​ (m. 1806; died 1815)​ Elizabeth Patton ​ (m. 1815)​
Children	6, including John
Signature

Davy Crockett (born August 17, 1786 – died March 6, 1836) was a famous American frontiersman, soldier, and politician. People often called him the "King of the Wild Frontier." He represented the state of Tennessee in the United States House of Representatives, which is part of the U.S. government. He also fought in the Texas Revolution.

Davy Crockett grew up in East Tennessee. He became known for his excellent hunting skills and his amazing stories. He served as a colonel in the local militia, which was like a volunteer army. In 1821, he was elected to the Tennessee state government. Later, in 1827, he became a member of the U.S. Congress. There, he strongly disagreed with many ideas of President Andrew Jackson, especially a law called the Indian Removal Act. This law forced many Native American groups to move from their homes.

Because he opposed President Jackson, Crockett lost his election in 1831. But he was re-elected in 1833. After losing again in 1835, he decided to move to Texas. At that time, Texas was part of Mexico. In early 1836, he joined the Texas Revolution and died during the famous Battle of the Alamo. Historians still discuss exactly how he died, but it was during the final moments of that battle.

Davy Crockett was a legend even when he was alive. Stories about his adventures were told in plays and books. After his death, he became an even bigger folk hero. His life story has been shown in many television shows and movies, making him one of America's most famous historical figures.

Davy Crockett's Early Life and Family

Davy Crockett's family had roots in France, Ireland, and England. His ancestors moved from Europe to America a long time ago. His grandfather, also named David, was born in Pennsylvania.

Davy's father, John Crockett, was born around 1753. The family moved to Tennessee when John was young. John fought in the American Revolutionary War. Sadly, his parents (Davy's grandparents) were killed by Native American groups during the war.

John Crockett married Rebecca Hawkins in 1780. They had nine children, and their son David, who everyone called Davy, was born on August 17, 1786. He was named after his grandfather.

Davy was born in an area that is now Greene County, Tennessee. Today, you can visit the David Crockett Birthplace State Park and see a replica of the cabin where he was born.

Landmarks at the David Crockett Birthplace State Park

Weathered stone commemorating the spot Crockett was born

Replica of the cabin Crockett was born in

Davy's family often struggled financially. They moved many times. His father tried to run a gristmill (a mill for grinding grain) and a tavern, but faced difficulties.

When Davy was 12, his father arranged for him to work for a man named Jacob Siler to help pay off family debts. Davy worked as a cowboy, helping to move cattle a long distance. He was treated well and paid for his work. After a few weeks, he decided to return home.

The next year, Davy's father sent him to school. But Davy got into a fight and skipped school. When his father tried to punish him, Davy ran away from home. He worked various jobs, including on cattle drives and for a farmer. He also spent four years learning to be a hatter, making hats.

In 1802, at age 16, Davy walked back to his father's tavern in Tennessee. His father still had debts, so Davy worked for different people to help pay them off. Once the debts were clear, his father told him he was free to go his own way. Davy continued to work for a man named John Canady for four more years.

Davy Crockett's Marriages and Children

Contract of marriage for David Crockett and Margaret Elder, October 21, 1805

Davy Crockett met a young woman named Margaret Elder and wanted to marry her in 1805. However, she ended up marrying someone else.

He then met Polly Finley at a harvest festival. Polly's mother, Jean, did not approve of Davy at first. But Davy was determined to marry Polly. He arranged for a wedding, and Polly's father convinced Jean to allow the ceremony at their home. They married on August 16, 1806.

Davy and Polly settled near her parents. Their first child, John Wesley Crockett, was born in 1807. John later became a U.S. Congressman. Their second child, William Finley Crockett, was born in 1808. Their third child, Margaret Finley (Polly) Crockett, was born in 1812.

Crockett's second wife, Elizabeth

Sadly, Polly died in March 1815. Davy asked his brother and sister-in-law to help care for his children. Later that year, he married a widow named Elizabeth Patton. Elizabeth already had two children, Margaret Ann and George. Davy and Elizabeth then had two more children together: Robert Patton, born in 1816, and Rebecca Elvira, born in 1818. Their last child, Matilda, was born in 1821.

Davy Crockett Family Tree

Davy Crockett's Military Service

U.S. postage stamp, issued 1967

In 1813, a terrible event called the Fort Mims massacre happened. This led to the Creek War, a conflict with Native American groups. Davy Crockett joined the Tennessee militia as a scout. He helped by hunting wild game to feed the soldiers. He served for 90 days.

During this time, the War of 1812 was also happening between the United States and Great Britain. After the Creek War ended, General Andrew Jackson asked for more help from the Tennessee militia to fight British forces in Florida. Davy Crockett re-enlisted for six months in 1814. His unit mostly focused on finding food and did not see much direct fighting. He returned home in December 1814.

Davy Crockett's Public Career

Davy Crockett by William Henry Huddle, 1889

In 1817, Davy Crockett moved his family to Lawrence County, Tennessee. He began his public service there, helping to set up the new county's boundaries. He was appointed as a county justice of the peace and later elected as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Militia. By 1819, he felt his public duties were taking too much time from his family and businesses, so he resigned from these roles.

He was a member of the National Republican Party before joining the Whig Party in 1833. These were both important political groups in early American history.

Serving in the Tennessee Government

In 1821, Davy Crockett successfully ran for a seat in the Tennessee General Assembly, which is the state's legislature. He represented Lawrence and Hickman counties. He became known for his engaging storytelling when he spoke. He worked to help poor settlers by trying to make taxes easier for them and protecting their land rights.

After a flood destroyed his businesses, Crockett moved his family to new land in Carroll County, Tennessee. In 1823, he was elected to the General Assembly again, representing several counties. He continued to fight for the rights of farmers who were struggling.

Serving in the U.S. Congress

Portrait by James Hamilton Shegogue, 1831

In 1824, Crockett decided to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost that election but tried again in 1826 and won. He served in Congress from 1827 to 1829. He focused on ensuring settlers received fair land titles.

Crockett was re-elected for another term from 1829 to 1831. He became known for speaking out against policies he disagreed with. For example, he wanted to close the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, because he felt it mainly benefited the wealthy.

He famously opposed President Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act of 1830. This law forced many Native American tribes, like the Cherokee, to leave their ancestral lands and move west. Crockett was the only member of the Tennessee delegation to vote against it. The Cherokee chief, John Ross, even sent him a letter thanking him for his support. However, this vote was not popular in his home district, and he lost his re-election in 1831.

Crockett ran again in 1833 and was elected back to Congress, serving until 1835. During this time, he worked with another Congressman, Thomas Chilton, to write his autobiography. It was published in 1834 as A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, Written by Himself. He traveled to promote his book.

He lost his re-election in August 1835. After this defeat, he famously said that if his constituents didn't want him, he would go to Texas.

The Texas Revolution

Portrait of Davy Crockett by John Gadsby Chapman

By late 1834, Davy Crockett was thinking about moving to Texas. He talked with friends about gathering volunteers to go to Texas, believing a revolution was coming. After losing his last election, he left his home in Tennessee on November 1, 1835, with three other men to explore Texas. His youngest daughter, Matilda, remembered seeing him leave in his hunting suit and coonskin cap, carrying a rifle. He was confident they would all join him in Texas soon.

Crockett and his group traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, where many people came to see him. He spoke about the idea of Texas becoming independent.

In early January 1836, Crockett arrived in Nacogdoches, Texas. On January 14, he and 65 other men signed an oath to join the Provisional Government of Texas as volunteers. They were promised land for their service. On February 6, he and five other men rode into San Antonio de Bexar (now San Antonio).

The Fall of the Alamo by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk depicts Davy Crockett swinging his rifle at Mexican troops who have breached the south gate of the mission.

Crockett arrived at the Alamo Mission in San Antonio on February 8. On February 23, a large Mexican army led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna arrived and began a siege of the Alamo. The Mexican army constantly fired cannons at the mission.

On February 25, some Mexican soldiers tried to get closer to the Alamo walls. Crockett and his men, known for their excellent marksmanship, helped defend the fort by firing their rifles. The battle was intense, but the Mexican soldiers eventually retreated. The Alamo defenders had limited ammunition, so their commander, William Barret Travis, asked them to save their cannon fire. However, Crockett and his men were encouraged to keep shooting because they were so accurate.

A knife purportedly used by Davy Crockett during the Battle of the Alamo

As the siege continued, Travis sent messages asking for help. On March 6, the Mexican army launched a final attack just before dawn. The defenders were surprised but quickly began to fight. Most of the non-fighters gathered in the church for safety. According to one survivor, Crockett said a quick prayer before going to his post.

The Mexican soldiers climbed over the walls. Crockett and his men were defending a low wall in front of the church. They fought bravely, using their rifles as clubs and their knives when they couldn't reload. After a fierce fight, the remaining defenders were pushed back toward the church.

A coffin in the San Fernando Cathedral purports to hold the ashes of the Alamo defenders, including Crockett. However, historians believe it more probable that the ashes were buried near the Alamo.

The Battle of the Alamo lasted about 90 minutes, and all the defenders were killed. General Santa Anna ordered their bodies to be burned. In February 1837, the ashes were collected and placed in a coffin. The names of Travis, Crockett, and Bowie were written on the lid. The coffin is believed to be buried in a peach tree grove, but the exact spot is now unknown.

Davy Crockett's Death

The David Crockett Spring in Crockett, Houston County, Texas

Davy Crockett died at the Alamo on the morning of March 6, 1836, when he was 49 years old. There are different stories from battle survivors about how he died. Some say he fought heroically until the very end. Others say he surrendered with a few other men and was then executed by the Mexican army. Historians have found evidence to support both ideas, so the exact details of his death remain a mystery.

Davy Crockett's Legacy

Davy Crockett left behind many famous sayings. One of them was: "Always be sure you are right, then go ahead." These sayings, along with stories of his adventures, were published in books called almanacs.

While serving in Congress, Crockett became a Freemason, which is a member of a social organization.

In 1967, the U.S. Postal Service honored Davy Crockett by issuing a 5-cent stamp with his image.

Places Named After Davy Crockett

Col. Crockett statue, Lawrenceburg Public Square

In Tennessee:

• David Crockett Birthplace State Park, in Greene County, Tennessee
• David Crockett State Park, in Lawrence County, Tennessee
• Crockett County, Tennessee; its main town is Alamo, Tennessee
• David Crockett High School, in Jonesborough, Tennessee

In Texas:

• Crockett County, Texas
• Crockett, Texas, in Houston County, Texas
• Crockett High School, in Austin independent school District
• Davy Crockett Lake, in Fannin County, Texas
• Davy Crockett Loop, a wildlife trail
• Crockett Middle School, in Amarillo
• Davy Crockett National Forest, in Angelina County, Texas
• Davy Crockett School, in Dallas independent school District
• Crockett Elementary School, in Abilene independent school District, Abilene, Texas (closed in 2002)
• Crockett Street, a major road in Downtown San Antonio
• Crockett Street in Beaumont Texas
• Fort Crockett, in Galveston County, Texas

Other Places:

• M28 Davy Crockett Weapon System: a small nuclear weapon system developed by the U.S.
• Crockett Park, north of downtown San Antonio

Monuments Honoring Davy Crockett

• Alamo Cenotaph, San Antonio, features a statue of Crockett
• David Crockett Statue, at The Alamo, by George Lundeen
• David Crockett Statue, Ozona, Texas, by William M. McVey
• Life-size statue of Colonel David Crockett, Public Square, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee

Davy Crockett Quotes

• "I gave my decisions on the principles of common justice and honesty between man and man, and relied on natural born sense, and not on law, learning to guide me; for I had never read a page in a law book in all my life."
• "Be sure that you are right, and then go ahead."
• "Most men are remembered as they died, and not as they lived."
• "I am no man's man. I bark at no man's bid. I will never come and go, and fetch and carry, at the whistle of the great man in the white house, no matter who he is."

See also

In Spanish: Davy Crockett para niños