Cowpens National Battlefield invites visitors to 2nd South Carolina Regiment Encampment and Demonstrations on February 20-21

The public is invited to Cowpens National Battlefield to watch and learn while Revolutionary War reenactors drill, shoot and enrich their historical military skills. Throughout the weekend of February 20 – 21, the 2^nd South Carolina Regiment will practice 18^th century military marching, cavalry and firing drills.

While visitors can observe the informal drills on both days, on Saturday formal demonstrations will be offered for the public. On Saturday, February 20, visitors can watch reenactors fire 18^th century weapons (muskets and cannons) to the right of the park Visitor Center at 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 3:30. A cavalry demonstration will be held at the first stop on the battlefield trail at 3:45.

Throughout the ages, the military has drilled, or practiced their movements, so that when they march and use their weapons they can fire on command in the heat of battle. The group’s drill weekend will showcase a number of typical 18^th century military drills. In 1778 Baron Friedrich von Steuben of Prussia pioneered the American army military drill for small arms (infantry weapons). Following the American Revolution, William Stevens, a veteran artillerist, documented Revolutionary War cannon drills in an artillery manual. The 3^rd Continental Light Dragoons, the cavalry arm of the 2^nd South Carolina Regiment, will practice typical 18^th cavalry tactics.

The regiment will camp on site Saturday night and be available until 1:00 pm on Sunday, February 21, to answer questions and demonstrate the skills needed to maintain the uniform and equipment of a Continental soldier in the American Revolution.

Cowpens National Battlefield is part of the National Park System and has a Visitor Center, movie, bookstore, and a one-mile trail on the battlefield. There is also a picnic area, nature trail and three mile auto tour loop. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. For more information, call [phone] or visit the park’s webpage at www.nps.gov/cowp.

-NPS-