The 18th Century Comes To Life on January 19 - 20, 2008

On January 19 – 20, 2008, reenactors in Revolutionary War period clothing will bring the 18^th century to life at Cowpens National Battlefield. To celebrate the 227^th anniversary of the decisive American victory over the British at Cowpens, the park staff is planning free activities from 9:15 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors will be able to see how people of the period fought, dressed, lived, and cooked. Although there will not be a battle reenactment, there will be 18^th century weapons firing demonstrations and Revolutionary War cavalry demonstrations on both days.

New to the celebration this year, is an area behind the Visitor Center for children’s activities such as quill writing, weapons drilling, cartridge rolling, and tin punching. In addition, activities such as sachet making and dressing up in children’s clothes will be held at the Robert Scruggs House in the park. Please note that there will NOT be food available for purchase in the park. Visitors should remember to dress appropriately for the weather.

Ranger guided battlefield walks are scheduled in the morning and early afternoon throughout the event. On both days, Sheila Ingle, author of Courageous Kate, will put on a dramatic performance at noon, and at 1:00, John Ferling, author of Almost a Miracle, will give the keynote presentation, titled “100 Days That Shook the World,” at 1:00. Special lantern-lit walks through the battlefield will begin at 6:15 p.m. on January 19. During these walks, visitors can interact with reenactors to see what “might have happened” the night before the Battle of Cowpens.

Cowpens National Battlefield is the site of the American victory over the British on January 17, 1781 and 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. Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Days. For a complete schedule visit the park’s webpage at https://www.nps.gov/cowp/planyourvisit/events.htm.