The Wild Frontier

It’s not often that we here at the Main Street Gazette reprint one of our articles, in fact, it’s never happened. However, today is my birthday, and deep down I wanted to talk about one of my favorite places in all of Walt Disney World, Fort Wilderness, and one of my heroes, Davy Crockett.

The Wild Frontier was originally published on 08 June 2010.


Once upon a time, Crockett’s Tavern at Fort Wilderness was not only known for the spirits it served. In fact, I can remember the establishment serving up some of the best barbeque and home cooking available anywhere on Walt Disney World property. As for desserts, don’t even get me started on the Berry Patch Shortcake. These days however, the restaurant serves a small food items and is the stomping ground of parents and adults who need a few minutes to themselves.

What is often overlooked, now as it was when I was a child, are the furnishings found spread throughout the tavern. While an accurate account of what is there today, and what each piece represented, would be difficult, we are in luck. The original Crocket’s Tavern menu, otherwise known as the Crockett Almanac, gave guests a rundown of the items.

Look aroun an you’ll see many a fascinatin things that made Davy Crockett a legend.

Back by the door is a oil picture of ol Davy hisself.

Overhead is a birch bark canoe made by a 68 an a 72 year old Algonquin Indian up in Ottawa Canada. Its sealed with a mixture of sticky pine pitch an smelly bar grease.

Look in the case over by the bar ta see Ol Betsy, Davys rifle, an his famous coonskin hat.

Mike Finks hat an his brass cannon, both presents from Davy an Georgie Russel, are also there, along with a copy of Davys openin speech ta Congress.

Its easy ta spot the model of Mike Finks keelboat, the Gullywhumper, jes as it wuz in the great race down the Ohio an the mighty Mississip.

That’s President Andy Jackson behind the bar, with the 15 star, 15 stripe Star Spangled Banner draped aroun him. Georgie Russel is there ta the left, along with all kinds of maps, guns, an tomahawks.

Hangin on the post is the target where Davy shot one bullit right into the same hole as his first shot, ta win the match with Big Foot Mason.

Back in the corner is pieces remanescent of the Alamo, includin Jim Bowies knife next ta his picture, an Col. William B. Travis, an Davys song he wrote on the way ta the Alamo, ‘Farewell’.

Last is one big brown bar, not unlike the kind Davy tried ta grin down once.

Now while yer waiting fer yer food, walk around an enjoy these thing. Things that made Davy Crockett the King of the Wild Frontier.

To the enthusiasts that tour through restaurants looking for hidden treasures that rest in plain sight, Crockett’s Tavern is still a treasure trove. The likenesses of Davy and his company are those from the original Disneyland serials, and include not only Fess Parker, but Buddy Ebsen, Basil Ruysdael, and Kenneth Tobey as well.

Those seeking a more mainstream viewing location for memorabilia from Davy and Georgie’s adventures can also mosey on over to Frontierland in the Magic Kingdom. Where, spread throughout Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Café, are objects and stories from the Wild Frontier, including Davy’s hat and Georgie’s tale of Big Foot Mason.