In 1781, the turning point of the Revolutionary
War took place in the
south. After making no progress in the
north, the British headed south but did
not count on the opposition they would
encounter in backcountry South Carolina.
In less than an hour, however, the Battle
of Cowpens resulted in a resounding
American Patriot victory over the British,
leading ultimately to final defeat of the
British at Yorktown, according to seasonal
park ranger Scott Withrow. More than
200,000 people visit the site of this battle
each year, now a national battlefield park,
which is celebrating a milestone anniversary
in 2006.
While the 225th Anniversary of the
Battle of Cowpens will be celebrated
throughout 2006, specific activities are
planned on days around the actual date of
the battle. On Jan. 14, ranger-led tours of
the battlefield will begin at 9 a.m., followed
by tactical demonstrations and a
special event of the day program at the
Washington Light Infantry Monument
with color guard and the Guilford Fife &
Drum Corps. Visitors are welcome to visit
camps. At 2 p.m., a full scale battle reenactment
will take place on
private property similar in topography
to the actual battlefield and less than
one mile away (for information: http://cowpens225.com). The day will be
rounded out by authors and special guests
at the battlefield.
On Jan. 15, the previous day’s schedule
will be repeated including a reenactment
of the battle. Special event of the
day will be ceremonies at 11 a.m. honoring
the USS Cowpens, both CVL and CG-
63 (ships named for the battle). On Jan.
16, a recreated historic walk of both
Patriot and British soldiers from Grindal
Shoals on the Pacolet River will arrive at
the battlefield in time for a 7 a.m. tour on
Jan. 17.
When you arrive at Cowpens National
Battlefield Park, stop by the visitor center
to view the video “Daybreak at the Cowpens”
and visit the museum, which features
authentic Revolutionary War
weapons and a full sized reproduction of
a British three-pounder “Grasshopper”
cannon. You may choose next to follow
the auto loop road, a 3.8-mile tour of the
perimeter of the battlefield. The road tour
features wayside exhibits, overlooks with
short trails to the historic Green River
Road, the battlefield, picnic area and 1828
Robert Scruggs log cabin.
Or try the 1.5-mile self-guided loop
walking trail which weaves around and
through the battlefield. The 1856 Washington
Light Infantry Monument is
located on the trail, which begins behind
the visitor’s center and returns to the same
point. There is also a two-mile nature trail
loop from the picnic area. Picnic shelters
are available but should be reserved in
advance. When planning a visit to the battlefield,
it is suggested that a minimum of
two hours be allowed for the visitor center,
battlefield trail and auto loop road.
>>FOR MORE INFORMATION:
