David Crockett

A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett of the State of Tennessee

Originally written in 1834, The Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, of the State of Tennessee, encompasses the life of the American folk hero from his birth until his loss of the Congressional election and his seat as a representative in the United States Congress. Not only does Crockett describe life growing up on the Tennessee frontier, he also details his many disagreements with President Andrew Jackson's policies, which ultimately led to his loss during the Congressional election. Crockett also writes about his time as a volunteer soldier and various vacations and hunting trips, including the time he killed 105 bears in one year. He does all this without much humility, claiming, "... I must give an account of the part I took in defense of the country. If it should make me president, why, I can't help it; such things sometimes happen; and my pluck is, never 'to seek, nor decline office.'" This autobiography is ideal for history students and folklorists, especially those interested in larger-than-life folk heroes. DAVID CROCKETT (1786-1836) was an American frontiersman, soldier, and politician, immortalized as a hero in children's folk tales and songs. His life and exploits have been highly exaggerated in plays, almanacs, and later television and movies, since his death, and he continues to be popularly known as "The King of the Wild Frontier." Crockett grew up in Tennessee, served that state in the U. S. House of Representatives, and later moved to Texas, where he took part in the Texas Revolution in 1836 and was killed in the Battle of the Alamo.