The Other Davy Crockett – Gunfighter & Outlaw
The American West, a land of vast landscapes and burgeoning opportunity, also held a darker underbelly of lawlessness and violence. Within this tumultuous era, numerous figures rose to prominence, their names etched into the annals of history – some for heroism, others for notoriety. While the name "Davy Crockett" conjures images of the brave frontiersman who perished at the Alamo, a different man bearing the same name carved a drastically different path through the Southwest. This is the story of David "Davy" Crockett, a nephew of the Alamo hero, whose life unfolded not as a symbol of courage and sacrifice, but as a tale of gunfights, outlawry, and a violent end in the wild town of Cimarron, New Mexico.
Born in Tennessee, the younger Davy Crockett inherited a name synonymous with frontier spirit, but his life would take a far less celebrated turn. Details surrounding his early years are scarce, but historical accounts suggest a restless spirit that eventually led him westward to Texas. However, Texas proved to be a brief and unfortunate chapter, culminating in imprisonment. In 1872, he escaped, severing his ties to the Lone Star State and venturing further into the uncharted territories of the Southwest, seeking refuge and a fresh start in the burgeoning landscape of New Mexico.
His journey led him to the rugged terrain surrounding Cimarron, a town teetering on the edge of civilization in the northeastern part of New Mexico. The region was embroiled in the infamous Colfax County War, a bloody and protracted conflict over land and resources. Arriving in this atmosphere of tension and lawlessness, Davy Crockett found work as a ranch hand, immersing himself in the cowboy lifestyle. It was here, amidst the vast ranches and simmering feuds, that he would begin to build his reputation – not as a hero, but as a volatile and dangerous figure.
The town of Cimarron, during this period, epitomized the Wild West. Saloons overflowed with whiskey and gamblers, disputes were settled with gunfire, and the law often struggled to maintain order. In this environment, Davy Crockett quickly found his footing, aligning himself with individuals who shared his penchant for trouble. One such compatriot was Clay Allison, another Tennessee native known for his quick temper and deadly skills with a gun. Both men also harbored a shared animosity towards the African American soldiers stationed at nearby Fort Union, part of the U.S. 9th Cavalry, often referred to as "Buffalo Soldiers."
As Davy Crockett spent more time in Cimarron, he began to establish himself as a local bully. Alongside his ranch foreman, Gus Heffron, a man described as equally menacing, he became a regular fixture in the town’s saloons and gambling halls. Though only 23 years old, Crockett possessed a certain arrogance and bravado that initially made him somewhat popular. However, his behavior took a deadly turn on the night of March 24, 1876, forever solidifying his place in Cimarron’s violent history.
The events of that night are steeped in legend and conflicting accounts, but the general narrative paints a grim picture. Crockett, Heffron, and another man named Henry Goodman had been drinking heavily and decided to stop at Lambert’s Saloon (now the historic St. James Hotel) for one last bottle of whiskey. As Crockett attempted to exit the saloon, he encountered resistance from someone trying to open the door from the outside. Fueled by alcohol and a short temper, he reportedly drew his gun and shot the man trying to enter. The victim was a soldier from the U.S. 9th Cavalry. The story continues that Crockett then turned his weapon on three other Buffalo Soldiers who were playing cards at a table, killing two more.
The aftermath of the shooting plunged Cimarron into further turmoil. Crockett and Heffron, realizing the gravity of their actions, fled the town on foot, as their horses were stabled near the Buffalo Soldiers’ encampment. Despite the severity of the crimes, Crockett was eventually acquitted of the murders after appearing before a justice of the peace. The court, citing his intoxicated state, reduced the charges to carrying arms and imposed a mere $50 fine along with court costs. This lenient sentence further emboldened Crockett, solidifying his belief that he was above the law.
In the months following the acquittal, Crockett and Heffron terrorized Cimarron with impunity. They rode their horses into stores and saloons, firing their guns into the air and ceilings, disrupting business and intimidating residents. They reportedly forced people at gunpoint to buy them drinks, turning the town into their personal playground of chaos and fear. The citizens of Cimarron, increasingly exasperated by their antics, finally decided to take matters into their own hands.
Sheriff Rinehart, recognizing the escalating danger, deputized Joseph Holbrook, a local rancher, and John McCullough, the town’s postmaster, tasking them with bringing the two outlaws to justice. On the night of September 30, 1876, Holbrook, Rinehart, and McCullough armed themselves with double-barreled shotguns and ambushed Crockett and Heffron near Schwenk’s barn. As the two men approached on horseback, Holbrook revealed himself and ordered them to raise their hands. Crockett, displaying his characteristic arrogance, reportedly laughed and dared Holbrook to shoot. Holbrook obliged, firing his shotgun at Crockett.
Rinehart and McCullough followed suit, unleashing their own blasts. The gunfire startled the horses, causing them to bolt and gallop north across the Cimarron River. Heffron, though wounded, managed to stay on his horse and escape into the Colorado mountains, disappearing from the historical record. Crockett, however, was not so fortunate. His horse stopped on the other side of the river, and Crockett was found slumped in the saddle, mortally wounded. His hands were reportedly locked in a death grip on the saddle horn and had to be pried open.
Davy Crockett was buried in the Cimarron cemetery, his life ending violently at the age of 23. While this account is the most widely circulated version of his demise, a different narrative exists, passed down through generations of the Crockett family. According to Andrew Jackson Crockett, a nephew of the younger Davy Crockett, Sheriff Rinehart coveted Crockett’s horses and falsely accused him of horse theft. Fearful of confronting Crockett alone, Rinehart allegedly enlisted the help of the cavalry to arrest him. When four Buffalo Soldiers confronted Crockett, one drew a gun, prompting Crockett to defend himself, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers.
In this alternative version, Rinehart and another man ambushed Crockett as he was leaving town, shooting him in the back. Regardless of which account is accurate, the end result remains the same: Davy Crockett met a violent end in Cimarron, New Mexico. For many years, his grave remained unmarked, its location lost to time. Although a marker has since been erected, its authenticity as the precise burial site remains uncertain. The life of this other Davy Crockett stands in stark contrast to his famous uncle, a reminder that even within the same family, destinies can diverge dramatically. His legacy is not one of heroism or sacrifice, but of a life marred by violence, outlawry, and a tragic end in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.