What The Experts Are Saying:

“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. If you love American history, this book is tailored-made for you. I guarantee that you will not be dissapointed”

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

“Joe Swann has deep roots in the soil of East Tennessee homeland and has kept an almost lifelong interest in the roots of a fellow East Tennesseean – David 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)

“The Early Life and Times of David Crockett in East Tennessee” A Lifelong Study by Joe Swann is a comprehensive examination of the formative years of one of America’s most iconic figures, David Crockett. Swann’s work delves into Crockett’s early life in East Tennessee, offering readers a detailed glimpse into the circumstances, culture, and events that shaped the young frontiersman before he became a legendary American hero.

In-Depth Research and Insights:

• Joe Swann’s study is the result of extensive research, utilizing primary sources, historical documents, and local lore to piece together the early years of Crockett’s life.
• The book provides insights into the harsh realities of frontier living in East Tennessee and how these experiences influenced Crockett’s character and his later achievements.

Crockett’s Formative Years:

• The narrative explores Crockett’s family background, his upbringing, and the challenges he faced in his youth, including poverty, limited education, and the early responsibility of supporting his family.
• It highlights Crockett’s early experiences with hunting, his initial forays into business, and his first steps into public service and politics.

The Cultural and Historical Context:

• Swann places Crockett’s early life within the broader context of East Tennessee’s society in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, shedding light on the social, economic, and political forces at play.
• The book examines the impact of the American Revolution, the frontier spirit, and the Native American presence on the development of the region and on Crockett himself.

Contribution to Crockett Scholarship:

• By focusing on the less documented early years, Swann fills a gap in the historical record, offering a more nuanced understanding of David Crockett’s life and legacy.
• The study contributes to the appreciation of Crockett not just as a folk hero but as a complex individual shaped by his times and experiences.

For Enthusiasts and Scholars Alike:

• “The Early Life and Times of David Crockett in East Tennessee” is accessible to both enthusiasts of American history and academic scholars. It combines rigorous research with a narrative style that brings Crockett’s early years to life.
• The book is an essential read for anyone interested in the roots of American frontier culture and the real stories behind the nation’s legends.

Joe Swann’s work is not only a tribute to David Crockett’s enduring legacy but also a testament to the importance of understanding the historical and cultural forces that shape our heroes. Through his lifelong study, Swann provides a valuable resource for anyone seeking to know more about the real David Crockett, beyond the coonskin cap and folklore.