The Early Life and Times of David Crockett in East Tennessee - by Joe Swann (Paperback)

About the Book

Biography depicting David Crockett's early life in East Tennessee and how that Western frontier forged the famous frontiersman.

Book Synopsis

David Crockett was one of America's first national celebrities. He carved out a name for himself from the Western frontier lands of East Tennessee to the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C. He did this not only by prowess with a rifle but through humility, integrity, humor, and a personal character of undeniable authenticity. That character was forged through hardship and self-determination as a youth in East Tennessee. David Crockett grew up poor, with a down-on-his-luck Revolutionary War vet father. At age 10, Davy was indentured to servitude to a man he'd never met. This book examines those formative years that shaped Crockett into the renowned figure he became in his own time and the legend we still know today.

Review Quotes

"Joe Swann - a true son of Tennessee - has discovered and put into place key pieces of the puzzle that complete the story of the enigmatic David Crockett, the famed frontiersman shrouded in folklore and legend. Thanks to incredible research and skillful writing, Swann reveals a Crockett more worthy than the mythic version. If you love American history, this book is tailored-made for you. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed."

-Michael Wallis, author of David Crockett: The Lion of the West

"Joe Swann has deep roots in the soil of his East Tennessee homeland and has kept an almost lifelong interest in the roots of a fellow East Tennessean - David Crockett. Years of deep research along with physically researching and actually stepping into young Crockett's footsteps have finally resulted in the release of his book. After years of also studying Crockett, I've found that Joe's book is the closest we will come to actually bringing Crockett to life."

-Jim Claborn, past director of Crockett Tavern Museum, Morristown, Tennessee

"Most Americans know about Davy Crockett's tall tales, his bear hunting, his political ambitions, and his demise at the Alamo ... but not as many know about his boyhood in Tennessee's Dumplin Valley at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. Joe Swann is an avid historian who has spent (decades) digging up these boyhood stories. If you want to know the rest of the story about Davy Crockett, this is the book for you."

-Lamar Alexander, former governor of Tennessee (1979-1987), former US senator (2003-2021), past president of the University of Tennessee (1988-1991)