David Crockett is known as an American hero born on the 17th of August in 1786. The buck-skinned and fearless Crockett may be more myth than reality today, as many people may not remember him for what he really was, a soldier, frontiersman and politician. Since his death, his tales have been manipulated and whispered to the point of absurdity.
Crockett Allegedly Killed Approximately 105 Bears In Just One Year
In his autobiography, Crockett alleges that he killed at least 105 bears in a 7 month period lasting from 1825 to 1826. He was, apparently an excellent marksman and had trained dogs to help him capture and kill these bears. He did so in order to use the meat to sustain himself and his family as well as to sell bear pelts and flesh which were extremely profitable during the time. The oils from bear fat were also sold for a profit.
He Was A Runaway
When David Crockett was 13 years old when he got bullied just 4 days into his school life by an older and bigger boy. However, he was not one who would ever back out of a fight so he decided to wait in a bush at the side of the road for the bully. When evening time came along, the boy walked down the road with his gang at which time Crockett emerged from the bush and started beating him up. He was scared that the school headmaster would spank him for this act, so he started playing hooky.
John, Crockett’s father, was furious after receiving a letter that his son’s attendance was not up to par. He chased his son with a stick which made Davy run away. The next couple of years, teenage Davy Crockett traveled from Tennessee, where he was from, to Maryland to perform odd jobs. Upon returning, his parents did not recognize him. When they finally did, they all agreed that David would help his family pay off their debts. A year or so later, when the debts were paid off Davy left home for good.
He Spoke Out Against The Indian Removal Policy Proposed by Andrew Jackson
One of the most admirable acts he ever performed was speaking out against the Indian Removal Policy that was proposed by Andrew Jackson. This made him lose politically, but he did not care. He called out this Act from 1830 by saying, “I believed it was a wicked, unjust measure and that I should go against it, let the cost against me be what it might.”
He ended up losing to Jackson’s supporter William Fitzgerald. He did end up in Congress once more in 1833 by being an anti-Jacksonian. After completing his time he said farewell in a rather memorable way, “You may all go to hell, and I will go to Texas.”
These are not even a quarter of the amazing (and possibly true) things that happened in Davy Crockett’s life. There is no doubt though that this intriguing man did many remarkable things during his time.
Carl Dane - Western Author 