Davy Crockett @ 225

In case you missed it on the radio:

David “Davy” Crockett (August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) - folk-hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician. He is commonly referred to in popular culture by the epithet “King of the Wild Frontier”. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the Battle of Alamo.

Crockett grew up in East Tennessee, where he gained a reputation for hunting and storytelling. (At the time of his birth, however, the surrounding area was part of the autonomous territory known as the State of Franklin). After being elected to the rank of colonel in the militia of Lawrence County, Tennessee, he was elected to the Tennessee state legislature in 1821. In 1826, Crockett was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Crockett vehemently opposed many of the policies of President Andrew Jackson, most notably the Indian Removal Act. Crockett’s opposition to Jackson’s policies led to his defeat in the 1834 elections, prompting his angry departure to Texas shortly thereafter. In early 1836, Crockett took part in the Texas Revolution and was killed at the Battle of the Alamo in March.

Crockett became famous in his own lifetime for larger-than-life exploits popularized by stage plays and almanacs. After his death, he continued to be credited with brazen acts of mythical proportion. These led in the 20th century to television and movie portrayals, and he became one of the best-known American folk heroes.

A larger than life figure he once boasted, “I can run faster, walk longer, leap higher, speak better and tell more and bigger lies”.

In this Journey into Hidden America podcast, we spoke with Sally Baker of the Davy Crockett Tavern Museum about what was happening to observe the hero’s 225th birthday anniversary, and why Davy Crockett still means so much to so many (The 1950′s TV program and more).

At: http://conversationsontheroad.podbus.com/?p=670