Davy Crockett: American Frontier Legend

BIOGRAPHY examines the life and the legend of Davy Crockett. It chronicles Crockett's life from backwoods hunter to Congressman to Alamo hero to American folk hero. This BIOGRAPHY would be useful for classes on American history, civics, American culture, and geography. It is appropriate for middle and high school classes.

• Alamo
• atrocities
• countenance
• exotic
• expeditions
• fandango
• irate
• manifest destiny
• profound
• prosperity
• prowess
• stamina

1. Davy Crockett is considered an American folk hero. What is a folk hero? What qualities must someone have to achieve that status? What other Americans would fall into this category?

2. What is manifest destiny? How are Davy Crockett and manifest destiny connected?

3. Is the lure of Crockett's lifestyle the embodiment of the American desire to tame and annex the wild west?

4. Why is Davy Crockett considered by 19th century Americans to be an example of the new American?

5. How do you distinguish between myth and legend? At what point does a legend becomes a tall tale?

6. While American history has viewed Davy Crockett as a hero and a martyr, how do you think Mexicans and Native Americans might view him? Would he be a hero to them, or perhaps even a villain?

7. Davy Crockett is associated with the American frontier. Are there folk heroes today who embody the modern frontier?

1. Research historical accounts of the battle of the Alamo. Why did the battle take place? What were the Mexicans and Texians fighting about? Who was right? Are your answers as clear-cut as you expected or do they raise some questions about what you originally thought about the event?

2. On a map of the United States, trace the path of Davy Crockett's life from backwoods hunter to Alamo hero.

3. Write two eyewitness accounts of the battle of the Alamo, one as a Texian and one as a soldier in Santa Ana's forces.

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Air Dates

• August 10, 2004