Legends of the Old West – "FRONTIERSMEN Ep. 5 | Davy Crockett: ‘Go To Hell or Go To Texas’"

Podcast by Black Barrel Media | Host: Chris Wimmer | Air Date: October 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the transformation of Davy Crockett from frontiersman and folk hero to political figure and finally, to Texas revolutionary. Host Chris Wimmer details Crockett’s colorful journey through war, politics, and legend-building in 19th-century America, culminating in his fateful decision to join the Texas fight for independence. The episode also weaves in the broader tapestry of American history—highlighting seismic political changes, friendship and rivalry with figures like Andrew Jackson and Sam Houston, and the making of folklore.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Setting the Stage: The Making of an American Folk Hero

• Post-War of 1812 optimism: America moves into the "Era of Good Feelings," with the rise of folklore heroes (02:00).
• Early life: Crockett’s humble origins in eastern Tennessee; cowboy at 12, hunter by his teens, experiences in marriage and family.
• Entry into war and politics: Fights under Colonel John Coffee and General Andrew Jackson in the Creek War, later launches a political career inspired by his frontier reputation.

The Rise of Davy Crockett: From Soldier to Statesman

• Political ascent in Tennessee: Quick rise after war due to his war reputation and storytelling prowess. Elected lieutenant colonel of the local militia and then Justice of the Peace and Town Commissioner (05:00).
• Unique campaign style: Uses humor, self-deprecation, and relatable stories rather than speeches. Notable for sharing tobacco, whiskey, and leading community events like squirrel hunts (07:30).
• State legislature: Wins seat in the Tennessee assembly (08:00).

The 1821 Context: Texas Opens to American Settlers

• Stephen F. Austin’s deal with Mexico: Outlines the background of American colonization of Texas, beginning with Moses and Stephen F. Austin and Mexico's independence (09:00).
• Policymaking and conflict: Crockett’s support for poor farmers keeps him popular in the state legislature, but national politics become volatile.

Friends and Foes: Andrew Jackson, Sam Houston, and Political Divides

• Emergence of Andrew Jackson: Crockett’s onetime commanding general, now rising political star with whom Crockett eventually splits over policy differences (10:45).
• Political rift: Tension begins when Crockett votes against Jackson’s Senate bid. This moment marks a long-term falling-out between the two (11:30).

Congress, Celebrity, and Dissent

• Crockett goes to Congress: Inspired by friend Sam Houston. Witnesses and helps foil the first presidential assassination attempt (Richard Lawrence vs. Jackson) (16:50).

• Indian Removal Act opposition: Crockett opposes Jackson’s signature bill, citing loyalty to sovereignty and liberty. This stance costs him politically but cements his legacy as a man of principle.

    "The bill defied tribal sovereignty and prior treaties. In a letter, Crockett also admitted that he feared a federal government which had the strength to uproot people and trample their liberty."  
    —Host paraphrasing Crockett (15:00)
  

• Birth of the Crockett legend: Playwright Paulding’s “Lion of the West” affixes the coonskin cap motif to Crockett. The “Crockett Almanacs” and Davy’s own autobiography further establish the tall-tale hero image (17:00–19:00).

• Bear hunting mythos: Famous stories of Crockett’s wild exploits circulate, amplifying his reputation.

Setbacks, Final Days in Congress, and the Call of Texas

• Book tour backlash: His absences from Congress during his book tour damage his political standing (20:30).

• Congressional defeat and turning point: Crockett loses his seat after open opposition to Jackson and is courted by the new Whig Party for a presidential run (22:00).

• Iconic declaration on losing:

    "If they saw fit to re-elect me, I would serve them as faithfully as I had done, but if not, they might go to hell and I would go to Texas."  
    —Attributed to Davy Crockett (23:56)
  

• Texas beckons: Hearing of fertile land and fresh opportunity (and turmoil), Crockett decides to try his luck out west.

The Texas Revolution and Road to the Alamo

• Rising tensions in Mexican Texas: By 1835, the Texans (Anglo “Texians” and Spanish-descended “Tejanos”) want independence from Mexico’s Santa Anna (27:00).

• Battle of Gonzales ("Come and Take It") and early victories: The war’s opening skirmishes, Texian momentum, and siege of San Antonio and the Alamo (29:00).

• Crockett’s journey: In late 1835, Crockett rides with 30 Tennesseans toward Texas, aiming for new prospects and perhaps a land agent’s job to erase old debts.

• Signing up for the fight: On January 14, 1836, in Nacogdoches, Crockett officially joins the Texian cause, pledging six months' service and receiving a land grant agreement (33:30).

• Leadership and divisions: Clash between Sam Houston (new, not yet empowered commander-in-chief) and Colonel Jim Bowie (much more willing to defend the Alamo at all costs).

    "The salvation of Texas depends in great measure in keeping Bexar out of the hands of the enemy... we will rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy."
    —Jim Bowie, letter to Texas Provisional Governor (34:40)
  

• Situation at the Alamo: Houston’s call to abandon it is rejected. The defenders dig in as Santa Anna heads north to retake San Antonio, setting the stage for the legendary siege.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the dangers of politics:
  “Enemies lurked everywhere in the political landscape and they could be nearly as sneaky as Creek warriors.”
  —Host Chris Wimmer (06:30)

• First attempted presidential assassination:
  "Crockett lowered his shoulder and rammed the would-be assassin... Crockett knocked Richard Lawrence to the ground and subdued him with the help of a naval lieutenant."
  —Host recounting Crockett’s courage at the Capitol (16:50)

• Crockett’s ethos, as reported:
  "If not, they might go to hell and I would go to Texas."
  —Davy Crockett, explaining his departure (23:56, 32:30)

• On the Alamo’s defenders:
  "Colonel McNeil and myself have come to the solemn resolution that we will rather die in these ditches than give it up to the enemy."
  —Jim Bowie (34:40)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Era of Good Feelings & American folklore: 02:00–04:30
• Crockett’s early life, war, and marriage: 04:35–06:20
• Political ascent in Tennessee: 07:00–09:00
• Austin’s Texas settlement deal: 09:00–10:30
• Crockett vs. Jackson, start of rift: 11:30–13:00
• Crockett in Congress & Indian Removal Act opposition: 14:00–16:00
• Crockett as American legend (plays, almanacs, autobiography): 17:00–19:30
• Congressional defeat and fateful decision: 22:00–24:00
• Crockett’s "go to hell or go to Texas" quote: 23:56, 32:30
• Background on Texas Revolution ("Come and Take It" and Alamo siege): 27:00–34:40
• Bowie’s vow to defend the Alamo: 34:40

Episode Tone and Language

Chris Wimmer narrates with a cinematic, reverent style. Folk tales, dry humor, and dramatic turns echo the spirit of Crockett’s own storytelling. Quotes attributed to Crockett lean into the plainspoken, larger-than-life persona—making this history as entertaining and vivid as any tall tale.

Conclusion

This episode traces Davy Crockett’s journey from plucky Tennessee frontiersman to American legend and finally to Texas freedom fighter. It chronicles his myth-making, political courage, personal setbacks, and ultimate gamble on a new frontier—culminating in the rallying cry, “Go to hell or go to Texas.” With the stage set for the siege of the Alamo, listeners are left on the cusp of a legendary last stand, cementing Crockett’s enduring place in American lore.

Next episode: The Battle of the Alamo and the culmination of Davy Crockett’s frontier legacy.