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- calendar_today November 14, 2026
Statue of David Crockett Revealed at State Capitol
A new chapter in Tennessee history was marked on Thursday morning with the unveiling of a bronze statue honoring the legendary frontiersman David "Davy" Crockett at the state capitol in Nashville.
"Guardian of the Frontier" Sculpture
The statue, titled Guardian of the Frontier, is the work of artist Jamie Lester. The bronze sculpture depicts Davy Crockett wearing his iconic frontier clothes, holding a coonskin cap and rifle, and accompanied by his hunting dogs. Bear tracks are visible beneath his feet—a detail that Lester incorporated to portray not just the legend, but the reality of Crockett's life on the Tennessee frontier.
Celebrating Crockett's Legacy
Born in East Tennessee in 1786, Davy Crockett first gained fame as a hunter before embarking on a political career. He served both in the Tennessee state legislature and in the U.S. Congress. Notably, Crockett was the only congressman to vote against Andrew Jackson's Indian Removal Act, the legislation that ultimately led to the Trail of Tears.
Remembering a Tennessee Icon
After his years in public service, Crockett left Tennessee to fight for Texas independence. He died in 1836 during the historic Battle of the Alamo. State leaders regard the statue as a tribute not only to Crockett's personal accomplishments but also to Tennessee's enduring volunteer spirit.
The Artistic Vision and Public Impact
Artist Jamie Lester, who spent two years creating the piece, reflected on its intended role at the capitol. "How does the sculpture function in our daily lives? I imagine people of all ages coming here looking up at this big piece. Maybe they’re drawn in by the dogs, maybe just by the sheer size of this piece. And they look up at this great man and they ask a question. And someone tells them a story. That’s how this sculpture will function here on out. One story told at a time for generations," Lester explained.
A Monument Years in the Making
The journey to install a Davy Crockett monument at the capitol began over a decade ago, when lawmakers first made the push in 2012. In 2021, legislation was passed to require the monument’s placement at the state’s seat of government.
Changing the Capitol Landscape
The new statue replaces the spot previously held by a statue of Edward Carmack, a former U.S. Senator and newspaper owner whose statue was erected in 1908. Carmack's monument was toppled during protests in 2020. Now, the Crockett statue stands overlooking War Memorial Plaza, with state leaders expressing hope that Crockett’s story—and the values he represents—will continue to inspire future generations.
Source: wkrn.com.
