10/20/2026
Davy Crockett is best known for the coonskin cap and his Disney character, but the real Davy Crockett had an interesting life of his own.
Born in Tennessee in 1786, Crockett grew up on the American frontier and became known as a hunter, scout, soldier, and storyteller. He eventually entered politics, serving in the Tennessee legislature and later representing Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
His life also reflects some of the complicated history of American expansion. Crockett fought during the Creek War, part of the broader conflict surrounding the expansion of the United States into Native lands. Years later, however, he became an outspoken opponent of President Andrew Jacksonβs Indian Removal Act and the forced removal of Native American communities.
After losing his seat in Congress, Crockett headed west and eventually made his way to Texas, where he joined the fight for Texan independence. He was killed at the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
Over time, stories about Crockett grew, and the real man became something much larger than life. His name, image, and stories were eventually woven into American folklore, and, of course, into Disney history.
This Davy Crockett doll on loan from the Anaheim Public Library, Disney Collection, is one small piece of that story. Come see it, along with more Disney memorabilia, in our πΌπ£πππππ’π‘ππ£π exhibit and take a closer look at the stories behind the objects on display. β¨
