History of Davy Crockett in Morristown and Hamblen County TN

Davey Crockett Museum

Although most Americans know only of Davy Crockett through song and legend, locals have an opportunity to explore the life of the frontiersman firsthand.

The David Crockett Tavern and Museum, located at 2002 Morningside Drive, showcases the life of Crockett and his family during a time when the town of Morristown did not even exist. Crockett's parents, John and Rebecca, built the original Crockett Tavern on their 300 feet of property in 1795. The original tavern site, now marked by a shell station, is only 100 feet away from the reproduction. The idea of building a similar tavern to remind Morristownians of Davy Crockett's influence and life here was first sparked in 1906 by Confederate veteran Colonel Thomas Caine.

He brought a young boy -to the original tavern site to show him where Crockett lived. The young boy became fascinated by the stories of Crockett's life. His sister, Sarah Daltry, bought back some of the property and the rest, as they say, is history. In fact, when visitors walk into the tavern, history comes alive. Ninety-nine percent of the tavern furniture is original. The tools and loom found in the tavern date back to Crockett's time, as does the 1750's wagon displayed in front of the monument. The mantle also dates to 1750, the wood floor is from- Panther Springs School, and the door of the tavern is from Tate's Store, where the charter for the city of Morristown was signed.

Visitors will explore the kitchen, which features a native stone fireplace and cooking equipment of the time; the loom room, which features a loom and the necessary spinning equipment; the big room, which can be equated to the living room of the present day; the loft, where the family slept; and the museum room, where many antiques of the period are on display. Presently, the tavern personnel are trying to obtain more artifacts and heirlooms from the 1700 and 1800's. Hopefully, by the end of the year, a blacksmith shop will be built near the tavern.

On special program days at the museum, a blacksmith will come and demonstrate his skills to the public. Special programs and activities are planned for the weekend before Crockett's birthday on August 17. Reenactments of Crockett's daily life with demonstrations of skills from his time are given.

Historical interpreter and tour guide, Roger Ross explained why the tavern and museum give visitors an important look into the past. "This is not just to promote Davy Crockett, button promote the pioneer way and values and the hard work that the people did to sustain life. They made their own clothes... they had no closets, no useless things. They had to work hard, but they were happy."

Admission rates for the museum, which is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from May to October, are $3 for adults, $1 for children aged 5-18, and free admission for children under 5.

Group rates are available and special group tour hours can be made by appointment.

Please call 587-9900 for further information.

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