Cowpens National battlefield is a special park located east of Chesnee in South Carolina. The park preserves a major part of the American Revolutionary War. It was named Cowpens National Battlefield after Brigadier General Daniel Morgan led the American army to win the Battle of Cowpens in 1781.
This was a decisive Revolutionary War victory that gave the US army the confidence and moral support needed to keep fighting and pushing the revolution, which happened nine months later.
The park was established as Cowpens National Battle Site on March 4, 1829. The Visitor Center of the park features a magnificent museum full of exhibits about the great American Revolution and the battle.
About The Battle of Cowpens
The infamous battle of Cowpens took place on January 17, 1781, in the final stages of the great American Revolution. The battle was a focal turning point of the fierce war in the South and part of a long chain of events that led to the Patriot victory at Yorktown.
The less experienced American Army won the battle against a better-trained and more experienced British Army. It brought together strong armies and influential leaders who made a permanent mark in the history of the United States.
From the Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge, the feared British army had started invading the South and was taking over historical places and controlling several towns, including the attempted takeover of Charleston in late 1776.
Between 1779 and 1780, when there was a stalemate in the North, the British army looked towards the South once again. Besides taking over the South, they also wanted to help the Southern Loyalists regain control of the colonial governments.
However, things did not work according to their plan, and a massive war broke out in 1781 in Cowpens. Surprisingly, the British army was defeated in less than an hour, which marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War that was already happening.
History in One Place
Today, people from all over the world visit Cowpens National Battlefield to see the historic site that spans close to 843 acres. There is a little bit of buffer around the park to allow tourists to enjoy the peace and tranquility without external intrusions and distractions.
One of the best ways to enjoy the battlefield and learn the history behind it is to take one of the park’s guided tours covering approximately 1.5 miles along well-marked pathways. The entire trip can take up to 45 minutes, but it is worth it.
For a memorable experience, take time to stop by the visitor center museum full of exhibits, displays, and illustrations, providing a detailed analysis of the battle. You will learn what led to the battle, the tactics used by the American army to defeat the British army, and the significance of the victory in American history.
In addition to being a historical site, Cowpens National Battlefield also hosts several educational events and conferences that tackle a wide range of topics, including weapon demonstrations and historical talks.
See our home page
Learn More About Spartanburg Historic District