Cowpens National Battlefield Features “Voices of the Revolution” During 230th Anniversary Event

Visitors can hear different perspectives about the American Revolution on January 15 – 16, 2011, when Cowpens National Battlefield celebrates the 230th anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens with “Voices of the Revolution.” All activities are free and open to the public.

On Saturday in the program tent, visitors can hear the voices of women, surgeons, Banastre Tarleton, and the militia. At 10:30 in the program tent, Sheila Ingle, author of Courageous Kate, A Daughter of the Revolution, will give a dramatic performance as Kate Moore Barry, whose husband and brother both fought in the Battle of Cowpens. At noon, Eric Williams will give a presentation on 18th century medical practices. Dr. Jim Piecuch, author of The Blood Be Upon Your Head will give a talk on Banastre Tarleton at 1:30. At 2:15, Dr. Tony Zeiss, author of Backcountry Fury, will give a dramatic performance as Thomas Young, a 17-year-old militiaman who fought in the Battle of Cowpens. At 3:15, actor Howard Burnham will give a dramatic performance as young Banastre Tarleton. All authors will sign copies of their books in the Visitor Center after their programs.

On Sunday, visitors will hear from Revolutionary War officers in the program tent. At 11:00, Dr. Christine Swager, author of several books, including Come to the Cowpens, will give a talk entitled, “A Bad Time for the British” about the events which complicated Lord Cornwallis’ life before and after the Battle of Cowpens. At noon, Howard Burnham will give a dramatic performance as an aged Lord Cornwallis reminiscing about the American Revolution. At 1:00 Dr. Jim Piecuch, author of Cool Deliberate Courage: John Eager Howard in the American Revolution, will give a talk about Continental officer John Eager Howard. At 2:00, people taking part in “Morgan’s March” will arrive at the program tent, where first-time participants will receive a medal. This will be followed by Durham Hunt’s performance as Daniel Morgan, the “Old Wagoner,” at 2:15. Authors will sign copies of their books in the Visitor Center after their talks.

On Saturday at 10:00 at the US Monument in front of the Visitor Center, there will be a wreath-laying by the Daughters, Sons, and Children of the American Revolution, followed by a procession to the Washington Light Infantry Monument. At 2:00 they will honor their forefathers at the Daniel Morgan Statue in Spartanburg by placing flowers at the base of the monument. On Sunday at 3:00, Debra Hutchins from the Spartanburg County Library will present a program on genealogy, how to research census and other historical records, and how to find your ancestors.

Familiar voices are represented by traditional activities held during the anniversary celebration. The park has planned ranger-guided battlefield walks to leave from behind the Visitor Center on Saturday at 9:30, 12:45, and 3:45, and on Sunday at 12:30 and 3:15. Reenactors will give 18th century cannon, musket or rifle firing demonstrations on Saturday at 11:30, 2:00, and 4:00, and on Sunday at 10:30, 11:45, 1:30, and 2:30. Eighteenth century cavalry demonstrations will be held on Saturday at 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00 and on Sunday at 11:30 and 1:15. Members of the 3rd Continental Light Dragoons will talk about the importance of cavalry in the Battle of Cowpens as well as demonstrate Revolutionary War era cavalry skills.

Children represent new voices. The park is setting aside a special area where children of all ages can participate in colonial era activities such as making sachets, flags, whirligigs, and drums, writing with quill pens, and learning the von Steuben weapons drill. These activities will be available from 11:00 – 5:00 on Saturday and 10:00 – 2:30 on Sunday.

The park will close at 5:00 pm both days. Only drinks and snacks are available in the park. Visitors should remember to dress appropriately for the changeable January weather.

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. Normal Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Days.

For more information, call [phone]. Visit the Cowpens National Battlefield webpage at www.nps.gov/cowp/ to see or print the detailed schedule.

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