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Davy Crockett

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Davy Crockett (born David Crockett; August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) was an American frontiersman, soldier, politician, and folk hero. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives and later went to Texas, where he died at the Battle of the Alamo. He became one of the best-known figures in American frontier lore.

Early life

Crockett was born in eastern Tennessee in 1786 and grew up on the frontier. Accounts describe him as coming from a pioneer family and later drawing on frontier experience in public life.

Political career

He served in Tennessee politics and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he became known for his independent views.

Texas Revolution and death

After his congressional career, Crockett went to Texas in 1836 during the Texas Revolution. He died at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio on March 6, 1836.

Legacy

Crockett became a folk hero during his lifetime and an even larger legend afterward. His image as a rugged frontiersman helped make him a lasting figure in American folklore.

Key facts

  • Born in 1786 in what is now Tennessee.
  • Served as a Tennessee politician and represented the state in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Went to Texas during the Texas Revolution.
  • Died at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
  • Became a folk hero and legendary figure in American popular culture.

Frequently asked 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 was Davy Crockett born?
He was born on August 17, 1786.
When did Davy Crockett die?
He died on March 6, 1836.
What is Davy Crockett best known for?
He is best known for representing Tennessee in Congress and for dying at the Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution.
Was Davy Crockett a real historical figure?
Yes. He was a documented historical person, though later stories about him were often exaggerated.
Why is Davy Crockett famous in popular culture?
His frontier reputation and later folklore turned him into a larger-than-life American folk hero.

References

  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.