Cowpens

Colonel Washington Monument

Monument · Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC 29341

A monument on the Cowpens battlefield marking Colonel William Washington's cavalry position and the location of his decisive flank charge. Washington's cavalry struck the British left simultaneously with Howard's bayonet charge to complete the double envelopment.

Daniel Morgan Monument

Monument · Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC 29341

A monument to Brigadier General Daniel Morgan at the Cowpens battlefield, marking the position from which he observed and directed the battle. Morgan was suffering from severe sciatica during the battle and directed it while in considerable pain.

Continental Infantry Line

Battlefield · Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC 29341

The position where Howard's Maryland and Delaware Continentals formed the main American defensive line at Cowpens. It was here that the militia retired through gaps in the Continental line, and where Howard ordered the counter-volley and bayonet charge that broke the British pursuit.

Cowpens National Battlefield

Battlefield · 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341

The preserved battlefield where Morgan's force defeated Tarleton's Legion on January 17, 1781. The open, rolling terrain is largely intact and allows visitors to understand Morgan's tactical plan by walking the ground. The NPS visitor center includes detailed interpretation of the battle's tactics and significance.

Militia Skirmish Line Position

Battlefield · Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC 29341

The forward position where Pickens's militia formed Morgan's first line of defense. The militia's disciplined two-volley-and-retire from this position was the tactical deception that lured Tarleton's men into the double envelopment. Interpretive markers explain the militia's role in the battle plan.

Cowpens NPS Visitor Center

Landmark · 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341

The National Park Service visitor center at Cowpens, which includes exhibits on the battle's tactics, the Southern Campaign context, and the individuals who fought here. A fiber-optic battle map illustrates the sequence of events on January 17, 1781.