Scout Historic Trail Patch - Cowpens National Battlefield
- BE PREPARED! Read the requirements thoroughly.
- Have everything with you when you arrive at the battlefield, including the Application.
- Print the correct test for the age scouts you are bringing! Cub/Brownie Scout test, Boy/Explorer/Girl Scout test
Before turning in your tests, make sure your group has completed the paperwork and appropriate walk(s). Only scouts and leaders who have completed the walk(s) and passed the test are eligible for the patch.
REQUIREMENTS for earning the Historic Trail Patch at Cowpens National Battlefield are as follows:
1. A scout leader must print the tests from the Cowpens National Battlefield Cub/Brownie Scout Test page on this website or the Boy/Explorer/Girl Scout Test page or obtain trail tests from the Palmetto Council office in either Spartanburg or Rock Hill, SC The Scout Master/Leader must have them in hand for each scout or adult who wishes to earn the patch prior to arriving at the park. Hike in groups of ten (10) or less. Each group must have an adult leader who is responsible for each ten hikers.
2. All scouts must arrive prepared with pencils, etc.
3. Park hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. All scouts must have his/her test graded and stamped at the park Visitor Center after completing the hiking portion of the trail. They should be finished before 4:00 p.m. Park staff may be unable to grade the questionnaires while the scouts are in the park. If this occurs, the staff will grade them as soon as possible and mail the tests and application to the scoutmaster.
4. Please pay particular attention to the differences in requirements for older scouts versus cubs, etc.
- All scouts and leaders must begin their tour in the Visitor Center and study exhibit text. The 18-minute movie, "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered" is optional.
- They will be expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. Dress at all times should be appropriate for a tour of a National Park and should identify scouts as a member of their organization.
- Boy/Explorer/Girl Scouts must walk/hike the battlefield trail, and either the environmental trail or the auto loop road in addition to answering all questions on the form. Hint! Extra credit answers can be found on the exhibits on the auto loop road.
- Cub/Brownie Scouts, etc. must walk/hike the battlefield trail in addition to answering all the questions on the form. Extra credit answers for this test are on the battlefield trail.
After the group has met all the above requirements, the leader should complete the enclosed application, attach the completed and stamped questionnaires, enclosed with a check made payable to Palmetto Council, BSA for patches at $2.50 shipping. Mail to: Palmetto Council, BSA; Palmetto Council, BSA; 420 South Church Street; Spartanburg, SC 29306. This is an earned patch - not a commemorative one - and may only be awarded to those scouts and leaders who complete all the requirements.
Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates the January 17, 1781 battle between American patriot forces under command of Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The patriots defeated the British in a little less than one hour. The battle at the "Cow Pens" is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution. It was one of the few engagements in the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution that pitted the best fighting force each army had against each other. Morgan utilized his Continentals, Virginia Riflemen, the cavalry of William Washington, and Andrew Pickens' militia to surround the British in a "double envelopment" and outwit the young British commander. The victory at the Cow Pens was another link in a chain of events that led to the ultimate surrender of the entire British army at Yorktown, Virginia on October 19, 1781. Cowpens National Battlefield was dedicated January 17, 1981and is maintained by the National Park Service.
Cowpens National Battlefield is located 11 miles northwest of I-85 and Gaffney, SC and 2 miles southeast of US 221 and Chesnee, SC. The entrance is northwest of the intersection of SC 11 and 110. The physical address address is 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341. The mailing address is 338 New Pleasant Road, Gaffney, SC 29341.
Interpretive facilities at the park are varied. They include an 18-minute DVD presentation called "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered" which is free, walking trail with exhibits, and auto loop road. The telephone number is (864) 461-2828.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAIL AWARD Cowpens National Battlefield Historic Trail Award was developed for all organized scouting groups to help enhance their visit to the park and to encourage them to learn more about the challenges and hardships faced by our forefathers in gaining our independence from the British in the American Revolution.
The award consists of a four-color (red, off-white, brown, and blue) patch 4 ½" by 3". It may be worn on hiking clothes, jackets, and as part of the scout uniform. The park wishes to thank the Spartanburg County Foundation for its generous contribution to this effort.
"BE PREPARED is a registered trademark of the Boy Scouts of America."
