It will come as no surprise to you to know that Davy Crockett is dead. Considering he was born in 1786, it would be incredibly surprising if he were still alive. But the question of exactly how he died is still a matter of intense debate.
Which should be no surprise. After all, the details of his life are a matter of some debate as well, because while Crockett is known as America's most famous frontiersman, he was also very good at self promotion.
Here's what we do know. As has been portrayed in pop culture, Crockett really did grow up on what was then the American frontier. He even learned to shoot and hunt at a young age but despite the famous Disney theme song, he was eight, so he probably did not kill him a b'ar when he was only three.
Crockett served in the militia during the War of 1812, rising to the rank of fourth sergeant. He then tried his hand at farming, and at business, but when those weren't successful, he decided to fail upwards by becoming a politician. He was elected to Tennessee's House of Representatives, ran for the United States Congress and lost in 1825, but the next year was elected. He famously stood up in Congress for the rights of Native Americans, but was unsuccessful in his efforts, and in 1835 he left Congress for good.
Part of Crockett's appeal was his seemingly natural ability to tell a story and a joke, often at the expense of his political opponents. It's an aspect of his personality that's been picked up on by nearly every TV show or movie, whether Fess Parker for Disney, John Wayne's The Alamo, or Billy Bob Thornton's portrayal in another totally different movie also titled The Alamo.
People identified with his folksy charm. He was likeable, funny, smart, and verbally adroit. He gave and got good press; he was quotable in the extreme.
Crockett was also plagued by money woes most of his life. In his youth he was moderately successful as a hunter, but less so as a farmer and mill owner. His congressional salary wasn't enough, either, apparently, but he realized he could advance his own image and career and pick up a hefty chunk of change if he published his autobiography. It was a hit, and he added to his fame with the publication of Davy Crockett's Almanack. He had become a legend in part of his own making. Keep watching the video to see the truth about how Davy Crockett died.
#DavyCrockett #History
Read Full Article:
0 Comments