“I must say as to what I have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world” wrote Davy Crockett to his son and daughter on January 9, 1836—just before Crockett’s death at the Alamo two months later. The quote has been much-used in Texas.
Wikipedia: Davy Crockett
Colonel David Crockett (August 17, 1786 – March 6, 1836) was a celebrated 19th-century American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician; usually referred to as Davy Crockett and by the popular title “King of the Wild Frontier”. He represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives, served in the Texas Revolution, and died at the age of 49 at the Battle of the Alamo.
Letters from the Alamo
DAVID CROCKETT’S LETTER TO HIS FAMILY
[Note: Crockett’s original spelling has been retained in this transcription.]
San Augusteen Texas
9th January 1836
My dear Son and daughter,
This is the first I have had an opertunity to write you with convinience I am now blessed with excellent health and am in high spirits although I have had many difficulties to encounter I have got through Safe and have been received by everybody with open cerimony of friendship I am hailed with harty welcom to this country. A dinner and a party of ladys have honored me with an invitation to partisapate both at Nacing doches [Nacogdoches] and at this place The Cannon was fired here on my arival and I must say as to what I have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world. The best land and best prospects for health I ever saw and I do so believe it is a fortune to any man to come here. There is a world of country to Settle.
Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector
“I may say as to what I have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world. The best land and the best prospects for health…I do believe it is fortune for any man to come here.” — Davy Crockett
We believe Davy Crockett was right, and Travis County is the heart of this great state. As the Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector it is my responsibility to handle the fiscal duties of this county with integrity, accuracy and accountability. I welcome you to this site, created to benefit our citizens by offering the information and tools needed to save them time and money.
— Nelda Wells Spears
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
Recent entries:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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