Welcome to Cowpens National Battlefield in Gaffney, South Carolina. This site commemorates a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War, where a strategic military tactic secured a crucial victory for the patriots. On January 17, 1781, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan led a force of about 2,000 American regulars and militia against 1,000 British troops commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The battle took place in a pasturing area known as the ‘Cowpens,’ a name that has become synonymous with a masterful double envelopment maneuver that outflanked and decisively defeated the British forces.
The Battle of Cowpens was a turning point in the Southern Campaign of the Revolutionary War. It demonstrated the effectiveness of the American militia when properly led and inflicted the worst British defeat since Saratoga. This victory boosted morale and was instrumental in the eventual American triumph.
Daniel Morgan, a seasoned military officer whose experience dated back to the French and Indian War, orchestrated the battle plan. Morgan’s tactics were brilliant; he arranged his troops in three lines, utilizing both regular soldiers and militia. The militia were instructed to fire two volleys and then retreat, luring the British into a trap where Morgan’s seasoned troops awaited.
Following the battle, the British forces under General Charles Cornwallis pursued Morgan, but he skillfully evaded them, eventually joining forces with General Nathanael Greene. This set the stage for the Battle of Guilford Court House, further weakening British control in the South.
Over time, Cowpens National Battlefield has evolved from a pasture to a place of remembrance, preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence. Visitors today can explore the battlefield, participate in ranger-led programs, and learn about the Southern Campaign’s broader historical context.
As you walk these grounds, imagine the sounds of muskets and the shouts of soldiers. The story of Cowpens is one of strategy, courage, and the enduring spirit of freedom.
