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On this day in 1786, Davy Crockett was born in Greene County, Tennessee

August 14

|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every year that begins at 12:00 am on day 14 of August, repeating indefinitely

On this day in 1786, American frontiersman and folk legend Davy Crockett was born in Greene County, Tennessee. A colorful figure, Crockett fought in the War of 1812, as well as the American Indian Wars, and served in Congress for the state of Tennessee. His move to Texas and death at the Battle of the Alamo cemented his place in American frontier history.

Did you know? Crockett sacrificed his political career by condemning President Andrew Jackson’s 1830 Indian Removal Act, which he called a “wicked, unjust measure.” This stance was unpopular with his constituents and after being unelected in Tennessee, Crockett is quoted as saying, “You may all go to hell and I may go to Texas.” And he did.

Many Baby-Boomers remember the tales of Davy Crockett (and a mania for replica coonskin caps) stemming from the popular 1950s Disney miniseries, “Davy Crockett.”

Believe it or not, Crockett’s role as a storied figure began long before the TV show or even his famous death at the Alamo. In the 1830s, the popular play, “The Lion of the West,” based its main hero on Crockett. He took advantage of the fame by writing his autobiography shortly afterward.

Davy Crockett, Chester Harding, 1834

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Date:
August 14
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