On Thursday, Tennessee officials and community members gathered on the steps of the State Capitol in Nashville to unveil a new bronze statue of legendary frontiersman and former congressman David Crockett. House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R‑Crossville, said the monument reflects the spirit of the Commonwealth: “To honor a frontiersman, a pioneer, so that anyone who visits the Capitol understands what we’re about.” Governor Bill Lee echoed the sentiment, noting that the new sculpture gives Tennesseans “a spot we can all be proud of.”
Artist’s Vision and Symbolism
West Virginia sculptor Jamie Lester was selected to bring Crockett to life. Lester explained that the project took two years to move from concept to pedestal. “This is a grand project, it needed to be told in a grand way,” he told NewsChannel 5. Every detail of the statue was intentional, from Crockett’s expression to the two hound dogs at his feet. “You’ll see intelligence, wisdom, and sensitivity in Crockett’s eyes,” Lester said.
The male dog faces forward, representing the future, while the female dog looks back, symbolizing protection of the past. Lester also highlighted Crockett’s historic lone vote against the Indian Removal Act, calling it a moment of moral courage: “He was brave enough to do what was right even if it meant great risk to his own career.”
From Controversy to Renewal
The new monument replaces a statue of former U.S. Senator Edward Carmack that was toppled during the unrest following the death of George Floyd in 2020. Carmack, a vocal supporter of alcohol prohibition, had also written editorials that many historians describe as inflammatory on race and politics. Photojournalist Ray Di Pietro, who documented the 2020 toppling, was on hand for the unveiling. He recalled the scene: “I watched them rock it back and forth, then they toppled it, and people cheered. To watch a new one unveiled, it closes the circle.”
Di Pietro emphasized that the cycle of statues rising and falling is part of history, but he believes Crockett’s legacy will endure. “Statues will come down and statues will go up,” he said, “but this story of David Crockett I think is not like that. It’s a story that will remain valid from here until eternity.”
Visiting the New Landmark
The statue stands atop the Motlow tunnel along Martin Luther King Boulevard, offering a visible reminder of Tennessee’s pioneering roots for residents and visitors alike. Local heritage groups have praised the dedication, noting that the monument reinforces the state’s commitment to honoring figures who championed liberty and courage.
As the Capitol grounds welcome the new tribute, officials hope the statue will inspire future generations to appreciate the values that helped shape Tennessee – faith, family, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
