David 'Davy' Crockett: Celebrity Martyr of the Alamo

Q: What is Davy Crockett most famous for?

Davy Crockett is best known for his heroic death at the Battle of the Alamo on 6 March 1836. In the modern day, he has become famous through portrayals in film and TV shows.

Q: Was Davy Crockett famous during his life?

Davy Crockett came to international attention in 1831 through the play "The Lion of the West" by James Kirke Paulding, which was based on an exaggerated vision of his life. His fame then increased through other publications, including his autobiography, and he was immortalized by his death at the Alamo.

Q: Which film portrayal of Davy Crockett is the most accurate?

The most accurate film portrayal of Davy Crockett is John Lee Hancock's "The Alamo" (2004), in which Crockett is played by Billy Bob Thornton.

Q: How did Davy Crockett die?

Although Davy Crockett's death has been mythologized as the last man standing at the Alamo who went down swinging his rifle, he actually surrendered on 6 March 1836 after the battle and was executed by order of General Santa Anna.

Joshua J. Mark

Definition

David 'Davy' Crockett (1786-1836) was a soldier, frontiersman, politician, storyteller, and, long before his famous death at the Alamo on 6 March 1836, a celebrity. Scholar Michael Wallis writes:

More about: David 'Davy' Crockett

Timeline

1786 - 1836
Life of David "Davy" Crockett.
c. 1802
David "Davy" Crockett learns to read and write at the age of 18.
1806
David "Davy" Crockett marries Polly Finley.
1813
David "Davy" Crockett enlists in the Tennessee militia.
3 Nov 1813
David "Davy" Crockett participates in the massacre of Creeks at Tallushatchee during the Creek Wars.
1815
Polly Crockett dies; David "Davy" Crockett marries Elizabeth Patton.
1816 - 1818
David "Davy" Crockett becomes a businessman, politician, justice of the peace, and colonel in the Tennessee militia.
1821
David "Davy" Crockett is elected to the Tennessee legislature.
1827
David "Davy" Crockett is elected to the United States House of Representatives.
1831
David "Davy" Crockett becomes famous through the play "The Lion of the West" by James Kirke Paulding, based on stories Crockett told about his life.
1834
David "Davy" Crockett publishes his autobiography which becomes a bestseller.
1835
David "Davy" Crockett loses his bid for re-election and goes to Texas to start over.
Jan 1836 - Feb 1836
The Alamo garrison receives reinforcements. Bowie, Travis and Crockett arrive.
6 Mar 1836
David "Davy" Crockett is killed at the Battle of the Alamo.