Morgans March 2009

If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a Revolutionary War soldier, this is your chance to find out. On January 17 – 18, 2009, individuals can relive a part of history by participating in all or part of the 2-day Morgan’s March from Grindal Shoals to Cowpens National Battlefield.

Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and his flying army (cavalry and infantry that were normally kept in nearly constant movement to keep the enemy guessing their location) camped at Grindal Shoals on the Pacolet River from December 25, 1780 – January 15, 1781. Upon learning that Tarleton was pursuing him, Morgan’s men abandoned their camp and their breakfasts on the morning of January 16, beginning their 25-mile march to the Cow Pens, a well-known local landmark.

Now in its 4th year, the Morgan’s March reenactment began in 2006 in conjunction with the 225^th anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens. Participants will retrace the same route that Morgan’s men took in January 1781, doing the entire march or only the sections that they want to do. During breaks, reenactors and historians will describe what was happening along the march 228 years ago. When the marchers arrive at Cowpens National Battlefield on January 18, park staff will award them a “Morgan’s Flying Army” medal. Up to 150 adult participants who register and do any part of the trail, and school-aged children who walk the Green River Road from Cowpens National Battlefield’s trailhead parking lot to the Visitor Center will be eligible to receive a medal, if they attend the 2:00 p.m. award ceremony.

To participate in the march, pre-register with the Town of Pacolet at 864-474-9504 or email mayor Elaine Harris at [e-mail]. Marchers who plan to camp Saturday night, January 17^th should email Mike Fields at [e-mail] or telephone [phone]. It is free to participate. However, a $20 donation will help Palmetto Conservation Foundation with expenses and preserving battlefields. Marchers should dress appropriately for the forecast weather and bring their own snacks and beverages. Transportation will be available if marchers get tired between rest stops.

The first day’s march will be 15.1 miles, and marchers will park their cars at the Wagstop Plantation, the historic Nuckolls House which is now the home of Gene and Nancy Horne, 571 Asbury Road (SC Highway 211). A shuttle to Grindal Shoals will leave at 7:30 a.m. Muster points where participants can join or leave the march during the first day are, as follows:

8:00 a.m. - Grindal Shoals, near Meeham Road

9:45 a.m. - Arrive back at Wagstop Plantation- 571 Asbury Road. (SC 211)

11:15 a.m. - Knuckles Chapel Church-Intersection of Asbury Road. and Goucher

School Road.

12:30 p.m. - Highway 150 Mini-Mart, Intersection of SC 150 and Goucher School

Road.

1:45 p.m - Goucher/Whiteplains Fire Department and Fort Thicketty.

5:00 p.m, - Overnight camp Site, High Point Baptist Church.

5:15 p.m - Shuttle back to parking lot at Wagstop Plantation.

Marchers for the second day will muster before 7:30 a.m. at the Orchard Place Store Parking lot at Exit 87 of I-85 and shuttle to the overnight camp on High Point Baptist Church. The march is 10.2 miles with the following muster points:

8:00 a.m. - Overnight Camp at High Point Baptist Church.

8:55 a.m. - Cherokee County EMS Station, Intersection of Macedonia and Love

Springs Roads.

10:15 a.m. - Home of Paul and Reba Patterson, 192 Green Acres Road. Lunch and

Worship Service.

1:15 p.m. - Cowpens National Battlefield Trailhead Parking lot, SC Hwy 11.

2:00 p.m. - Arrival at Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center for awarding

of the “Morgan’s Flying Army” medal and enjoying the 228^th Anniversary

activities

5:00 p.m. – Cowpens National Battlefield closes. Shuttle back to parking lot.

Join your friends and neighbors on Morgan’s Victory March and experience similar conditions as those that the Battle of Cowpens veterans lived through 228 years ago. For more information on Morgan’s Victory March 2009, contact George Fields at 864-529-0259 or email him at [e-mail].

For more information on the Battle of Cowpens anniversary celebration, call 864-461-2828 or visit the park’s special events webpage at https://www.nps.gov/cowp/planyourvisit/events.htm.