Anniversary Event Frequently Asked Questions

Robert Hooper for NPS

18th Century weapons firing demonstration

There are several frequently asked questions that visitors have about the Cowpens National Battlefield anniversary celebration.

1. What is the Battle of Cowpens?

The Battle of Cowpens was a Revolutionary War Battle that the Americans won in less than an hour. It got its name from the Cow Pens, a well-known backcountry landmark, where it occurred.

2. Why is it important?

The Battle of Cowpens was one of only a few Double Envelopments in history and the only one to happen in the Revolutionary War. Military groups still come to the battlefield to study how the American commander, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, was able to accomplish this classic military maneuver in which the enemy is drawn in and their flanks are turned.

In addition, the Americans had been losing badly in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution up to this point. There had been small victories of patriots over loyalists, but when they won at the Cow Pens against actual British soldiers, it gave the Americans the morale boost needed to continue fighting and win at Yorktown, VA just nine months later.

3. Who were the sides fighting?

This was the American and British armies fighting.

4. When did the battle take place? 

The Battle of Cowpens took place on Wednesday, January 17, 1781.

5. What is unique about the battle?

The Battle of Cowpens was on of only a few Double Envelopments in history and the only one to happen in the Revolutionary War. 

6. Why is there an anniversary for it?

We know that at least as far back as 1849 citizens have celebrated the American victory at the Cow Pens by firing weapons and giving speeches. In 1929, Congress recognized the significance of the battle and set aside a site to protect and preserve the place where Daniel Morgan’s victory occurred.  The National Park Service continues to celebrate the anniversary to honor those who fought for our freedom and to share with our visitors know the importance of the Battle of Cowpens.

7. What takes place during the reenactment/event?

We hold our anniversary celebration on the weekend closest to the anniversary of the battle. This year it will be January 19 – 20.  Although there will not be a battle reenactment, there will be reenactors in 18^th century clothing who will be give weapons firing demonstrations, Revolutionary War cavalry demonstrations, and have military camps set up. Park rangers will give guided battlefield walks. Two authors will speak and have book signings. We also will have an 18^th century traveling entertainer and a children’s area where they can participate in 18^th century activities such as writing with a quill pen, making dummy musket cartridges, punching tin, and learning the von Steuben weapons drill.

8. Is it family oriented?

This is definitely a family-oriented event. We have something for men and women, boys and girls, the serious history enthusiasts and those with a passing interest. This is the first time we have had an area set aside for children, and I’m really excited about it.

9. Do you have a schedule of events?

For a complete schedule of events, visit our webpage at http://www.nps.gov/cowp/planyourvisit/events.htm.

10. Are there any fees?

This event is free!

11. What do people need to participate or enjoy the event?

• Visitors should remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
• There will not be food available for purchase in the park this year. We have a picnic area with 22 individual tables and a picnic shelter. A roadside market is located outside the park’s main gate, and numerous restaurants are located in both Chesnee and Gaffney. 
• For your safety and that of the horses, park regulations prohibit visitors from getting within 6 feet of the horses. 

12. Where does the event take place?

Most events will be behind the Visitor Center, although some will be inside the Visitor Center and at the Robert Scruggs House on the park.

Cowpens National Battlefield is located 10 miles west of Gaffney, SC, and 3 miles east of Chesnee, SC at the intersection of Highways 11, 110, and 221-A.

From I-85 northbound, take exit 83. Turn left onto Hwy 110. At the intersection for Hwys 110, 11, and 221A, turn right. The park is on the right.

From I-85 southbound, take exit 92 at Gaffney, west toward Chesnee on Hwy 11. The park is about 10 miles on the left.

From I-26 eastbound, take exit 5, east toward Chesnee on Hwy 11. The park is about 20 miles on the right.

From I-26 westbound, take I-85 North. Take exit 83. Turn left onto Hwy 110. At the intersection of Hwys 110, 11, and 221A, turn right. The park is on the right.

13. What are some things you enjoy about the event? Why?

My favorite part of the event is the guided lantern-lit walks on Saturday night. During these 30-minute walks, visitors have the opportunity to become part of the event as they interact with the reenactors in different scenarios about “what might have happened” the night before the battle. Visitors pass through several checkpoints and active participants must think on their feet as they encounter people who question them about why they are on the road that night. Passive participants enjoy observing the interchanges. I enjoy it because the visitors make each walk unique.

14. What is the history of the battle and the event?

We can document that at least as far back as 1849 citizens have celebrated the American victory at the Cow Pens by firing weapons and giving speeches. In the mid-1970s’, the park expanded from the original 1 acre designated by Congress to the 842 acres it is today. During that period the National Park Service began having ceremonies acknowledging the battle anniversary. The park held a major event for the 200^th anniversary in 1981 and has continued to celebrate the anniversary ever since. While the basic format of 18^th century weapons firing demonstrations and speeches is consistent each year, we also try to do at least one thing different or add something new to keep it from getting stale.

15. Who can people contact for more information?

People can contact Donna Davis or anyone of the VisitorCenter staff at [phone].

16. Do you have anything else to add? 

The featured author/speaker this year is John Ferling, author of Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence. He will speak on “100 Days That Shook the World”, an article which first appeared in The Smithsonian magazine. Following his 1:00 p.m. talks on both days, Dr. Ferling will sign copies of his book. Almost a Miracle was the History Book Club’s featured choice in June 2007. Dr. Ferling, a retired American history and US military history professor from the University of West Georgia, has appeared in several documentaries on PBS, the History Channel, and the Learning Channel.