NPS Photo October 6, 1780 The militia stopped here on the night of October 6. A Loyalist lived and kept cows on the land, hence the name Cowpens. They met with militia from South Carolina, killed and ate some beeves, and got just a little rest. Having been on the road for almost 2 weeks many of the men and horses were tired and sore, so the officers chose to take the 900 freshest men and horses and quickly follow Ferguson's trail.They were nearing the end of their journey and were eager to push on, so they left late in the night while it was still dark. In addition to being a part of the historic route of the OVNHT, Cowpens also has the distinction of being a Revolutionary War battlefield. On January 17, 1781, just a few short months after the Patriot victory at Kings Mountain, General Daniel Morgan led Patriot forces to another victory over the regular British Army led by Lt. Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Cowpens National Battlefield features a certified section of Overmountain Victory Trail, the Green River Road, which runs through the park and is 1.6 miles long. There is also a walking battlefield trail for the Cowpens battle, an auto loop road, and the c. 1828 log house of Robert Scruggs within the park. There are restroom facilities at the Visitor Center and at the picnic area. Cowpens is open to the public year round, 9am-5pm daily. |
Last updated: August 3, 2019