Cowpens National Battlefield South Carolina, National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
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Your Tax Dollars at Work: Restoring the 1932 US Monument
This monument, originally erected on the battlefield in 1932, was moved to its present location near the Visitor Center in 1978. Unfortunately, water was somehow getting into the monument which caused mortar to leach out of the structure over the years. The leaching had become more severe in recent months.
Leaching on the monument in April 2003

In order to try to stop the deterioration, the National Park Service contracted to restore the monument. When the contractors removed the blocks, they numbered them. Then they replaced them in order as they rebuilt the monument. After the monument was reassembled, they cleaned the leaching stains from the monument. The following pictures were made from October - December 2003. Through them, you can watch your tax dollars work to protect and preserve this monument to the Battle of Cowpens and the men who fought here on January 17, 1781.

 

Scaffolding around the monument Disassembing has begun. The blocks are numbered. The heaviest part is removed. This slab has multiple leaching stains.

This panel being lowered to the ground also shows leaching. Reassembling begins. Here a side panel is being lowered into place. Note the rope helping to guide it. More reconstruction as the heaviest piece is lowered into place When the weather turned cold, the contractors covered the monument with a warming blanket. The crane raises the cap, the final piece. Cleaning the stains from a panel. The park superintendent inspects the work. 1932 US Monument after project was completed

 

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA

http://www.nps.gov/cowp/USMonument.htm; last Updated: 1/3/2004 10:13 AM; Virginia Fowler