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Most Famous Cold Case Mystery in Texas History— What Really Happened to David Crockett
David Crockett Went Down Fighting Review
David Crockett Went Down Fighting How We Know It
By Phil Guarnieri with Richard L. Range
Review by Pat Haddock
Published by Red River Press, Dallas, Texas
ISBN: 978-0-692-03801-7
Pages: 192
David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It by Alamo history researchers Phil Guarnieri and Richard L. Range delves into the ongoing controversy about how David Crockett died at the Alamo Battle on March 6, 1836. Some rely on evidence indicating that he was executed by order of General Santa Anna following the battle. Others, like the authors, insist that Crockett died much as he lived—fighting.
This book differs from others in that it approaches the subject in a way that examines the same evidence that other researchers have, but from a different perspective. To what result? In the book’s Foreword, Jerry Patterson, former Texas Land Office Commissioner (the state agency responsible for oversight of the Alamo), states, “If you believe Crockett surrendered, I promise you will at least have very serious doubts about the surrender narrative, and more likely conclude as I did, ‘I was wrong, Davy Crockett died fighting.’ ”
The authors are very clear about the purpose of the book in the Preface: “. . . the goal of this book is to determine if there is a valid, supportable way to ascertain the true circumstances of the death of David Crockett.” They then go on to say in the Prologue: “. . . when viewed as a whole, the evidence convincingly weighs in favor of the conclusion that the famous frontiersman was slain sometime during the battle.”
Early in the book, the authors provide a personal background for David Crockett, giving a good feel for the man's nature and what drove him. Understanding that grants the reader a better perspective from which to evaluate the case evidence presented. This evidence is the same as that examined by every other researcher, both for Crockett’s death in battle and by ordered execution. The approach is what makes this treatment of the evidence so different.
In their analysis, the authors do not tiptoe around the execution evidence, nor do they avoid suspect evidence in defense of his fighting to the death. Rather, they put all the evidence in light of the timing of events and then subject it to the rigors of cold case murder investigation techniques.
I have critically examined the case presented in this book, and I am convinced, as is Jerry Patterson, that the evidence strongly points toward David Crockett dying as he defended himself against a myriad of Mexican soldiers.
Some might criticize this book because it does not include footnotes or endnotes. However, the authors quote the source of statements in the text, and all the sources are listed in a comprehensive bibliography, negating the necessity for formal reference formats that many readers find distracting.
I would rate this book somewhere between 4.5 and 5.0/5.0. It is thorough, thought provoking, and convincing. Read it. See for yourself if you move to side with the authors, Jerry Patterson, and those who believe the evidence is more substantial for Crockett’s death in battle than it is for him dying as a result of Santa Anna’s ordered execution.
2025 Alamo Historical Society Symposium, March 7
(Extracted from two separate announcements from Glenn Effler)
Our Annual Alamo Symposium is just about set and ready to go. In case you were wondering who are keynote speakers are for 2025, we've arranged for an All-Star cast of experts. Here are the gentlemen we've lined up:
Craig R. Covner
Presentation: Evidence of the 1836 Alamo
Craig Covner is one of the most respected Alamo researchers of our day and is frequently sought by writers and historians for his insight and expert opinion. As a highly skilled artist, Covner's forte, focus, and passion has been in the field of early Spanish architecture, particularly Spanish missions. He has a keen eye and a logical mind and has long studied historical documents, designs, "plans, stones, and bones" to achieve a reasonably accurate idea of how the Alamo appeared in 1836." In 2008, Covner was consulted by fellow artist and Alamo historian, Mark Lemon in the formation of Lemon's ground-breaking book: The Illustrated Alamo 1836, for which Covner wrote the foreword. "The Alamo's walls speak to me, their scars tell stories," wrote Covner. "They challenge me, often mock me, and sometimes even torture me." In the words of Mr. Lemon, Craig Covner has "contributed priceless facts, insights, and "informed guesses" which taken together, greatly clarify the mystery of the Alamo compound."
Stephen L. Hardin, PhD
Presentation: Texian Exodus: The Runaway Scrape and its Enduring Legacy
Stephen Hardin, like all good Texas educators, has a passion for Texas history and the Alamo. He's a retired history professor and a well-known and highly respected historian, especially on the subject of the Texas Revolution. Hardin an acclaimed and published author and has written the books, Texian Iliad, The Alamo 1836: Santa Anna's Texas Campaign, Texian Macabre, Lost for Glory, and his newest addition to Texian history, Texian Exodus: The Runaway Scrape and its Enduring Legacy. Hardin is also seen quite often in the “Revolution and Republic” - a video series on the Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas from the Texas Center at Schreiner University. His deep insight into the somber and poignant event known as the "Runaway Scrape" will be of keen interest to all who treasure Texas history. We hope Dr. Hardin will be on-hand to do a book signing, as well.
Dr. Gregg J. Dimmick
Presentation: Examining the Mexican Armies Casualties at the Alamo
Dr. Gregg Dimmick is a familiar face within the Alamo Historical Society and a frequent contributor as a guest speaker at out annual Alamo Symposiums. He's a retired pediatrician, a Texas Revolution historian, the go-to authority on the Mexican army during the time of the Texas Revolution, and the author of the award-winning book, Sea of Mud: The Retreat of the Mexican Army after San Jacinto, An Archeological Investigation. Dimmick is also a vocational archaeologist and has multiple digs throughout Texas to his credit, including: Mar de Lodo (Sea of Mud), Fannin Battle Site, San Jacinto, and Goliad. When he's not in the field searching for and digging up artifacts, he renders assistance to The Alamo's archaeology program. He's written several publications on the retreat of the Mexican army, but most recently, he wrote a soon to be published book, The Mexican Army in Texas1835-1836. With any luck, Dr. Dimmick's newest work will be available by the time we gather in San Antonio.
Folks, this is an Alamo Symposium you don't want to miss! It's a rare opportunity to listen and learn from three outstanding experts, so please make your plans to join us at the Menger Hotel on March 7th in 2025 for a very special program of informative and educational presentations.
Hotel reservations:
Crockett Hotel
Group rate of $159 per night.
We have reserved a block of 35 rooms
Be sure to mention you are with the Alamo Historical Society and that you are entitled to the group rate.
Front Desk: 210-225-6500 Reservations: 800-292-1050
I suggest calling the desk to make reservations. The folks manning the reservation number may not be aware of our group rate or that we have 35 rooms reserved.
PLEASE NOTE: We have not been given a group rate for the Menger Hotel. If you desire to stay at the Menger, you'll need to call the hotel and arrange the best rate you can.
Scheduled Events:
Thursday, March 6th - Dawn Ceremony
Thursday, March 6th - Bowies on the Plaza. Bring your biggest, baddest Bowie knife to the Buckhorn Saloon after the Dawn Ceremony.
Friday, March 7th - Alamo Symposium 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (door open at 9:00AM)
Friday, March 7th - Alamo Fandango at Casa Masinter and featuring renowned San Antonio guitarist, Galo Gutierrez for our entertainment. 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday, March 8th - Bus Trip. We will be exploring the history of La Bahia (Fort Defiance) and visiting Goliad State Park, which includes the beautiful Spanish mission, Espiritu Santo. Also on the tour is Fannin Battleground Historical Site. We'll have a lunch break at La Terraza Mexican Grill near the historic Goliad Courthouse and the famous "Hanging Tree." This is going to be a fantastic field trip. Don't miss out on this memorable Texas outing with good friends.
More on the AHS Field Trip To La Bahia (Fort Defiance), Goliad State Park, and Fannin Battlefield
This is just a courteous reminder for those who intend on signing-up for the bus trip to La Bahia, Goliad State Park, and Fannin Battlefield on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Half of the available seats have already been reserved, so I strongly urge you to contact me if you'd like to come along on this most excellent journey into Texas' historic and colorful past. It's guaranteed to be an enjoyable day of sightseeing with a group of good friends. So, reserve your seat and be prepared to make some memories.
We'll be visiting:
Mission Espiritu Santo
Presidio La Bahia (Fort Defiance)
Fannin Battlefield/Coleto Creek
La Terraza Mexican Grill
A lunch stop will be in the town of Goliad by the old Courthouse and the famous "Hanging Tree" (tentatively set for La Terraza Mexican Grill).
Old Goliad Courthouse
Hanging Tree
The cost is just $35 per person (non-refundable) (does not include lunch). We need to have a minimum of 25 people to sign up for this trip. So, if you're interested in joining us, please let me know and we'll reserve a seat for you. I will contact you later to let you know when and where to send your trip fee.
This will be a guided tour.
I hope you see y'all in Goliad!
Many thanks and God bless,
Glenn Effler
720-982-8283
Exciting New Book
Coming Later This Year
We are pleased to announce that Phil Guarnieri and Rick Range have collaborated on a new book, David Crockett Went Down Fighting: How We Know It. The book makes a strong case supporting the position that David Crockett was not captured and executed by order of Santa Anna but was killed in action.
This book primarily focuses on two key elements of proof not previously addressed during this long-standing debate: the time and location of Crockett’s death. If either of these two factors, as presented in the book, are proven to be correct, then Crockett’s execution becomes an impossibility.
This evidence examines the testimony of the eyewitnesses, including those who personally knew Crockett and saw his body immediately following the battle, as well as particular execution details in accounts by Mexican army officers who were present but whose accounts have not been fully considered during earlier debate argumentation. Together, these Texan and Mexican accounts provide strong previously unrecognized evidence for concluding that Crockett died fighting and could not have been among the Defenders who were executed.
The book will be out later this year. If you want a personal email notification when the book is available, press the JOIN US button above, and we will gladly let you know.
Happy New Year
We Continue to Fight for Accurate History of the Alamo and Texas
We have some things coming up that we will share with you as they unfold. In the meantime, we wanted to suggest you become a part of our faithful community of patriots and protectors—of the Alamo shrine itself and the history associated with the Battle of the Alamo—and the ensuing struggle for independence from Mexico.
Much of our rich history has come under attack in recent years by those who would put modern lenses on events of the past, shading them in an unfair and often disproving light. Viewing history means it must be seen in light of the times, traditions, and political/social trends that were in place when the events happened. And that’s why we are here. To help ensure that history remains untainted by today’s standards. War is messy. History is messy. Interpreting history, especially its wars, is messy. Revealing new evidence lost in the vaults of libraries, universities, personal records, and state archives is one way to enhance what we know about an event. However, drawing conclusions based on standards not existent in that era is dangerous indeed.
Press the Join Us button above so that you can lend the strength of your voice to preserving that which, once it’s gone, cannot be recovered. If you agree with us and will continue to follow our work, by all means, also share our website with others.
Must Read
Excellent Summary of the Reason We Fight for the Alamo
Tony E. Arterburn, Jr. is a former U.S. Army Paratrooper, a veteran of three foreign wars, radio host, published columnist, and world champion powerlifter. He lives with his wife Melissa, son Houston, and chocolate lab Layla in San Antonio, Texas.
He has written this thoughtful and thought-provoking piece that we wanted to share with you.
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