On our way home from our last trip to Blacksburg, we took a slight detour to visit Kings Mountain National Military Park and Cowpens National Battlefield. The battlefields are only a few miles apart on Interstate 85, and it’s worth the time to visit both. They’re also rather small, so you may find separate trips aren’t worth it.
In the the grand scheme of the American Revolution, the American Army didn’t win a whole lot of battles. Cowpens was one of the few (but major) victories in the Southern colonies. Daniel Morgan commanded the Patriots while Banastre “Bloody Ban” Tarleton led the British. The details of the battle inspired the final battle in The Patriot. Cowpens was the only time the double envelopment military maneuver was used successfully during the American Revolution.
Address and location
You’ll find Cowpens at 338 New Pleasant Road in Gaffney, South Carolina. The park sits about ten miles off I-85.
Cost
Exploring the battlefield is free.
What to do
The park has a walking trail that loops around the various positions through the battle. It’s a mile or so long mix of gravel and paved paths. Be sure to stop and read the interpretive signs along the path. We saw a few other couples out for a walk with their dogs. You can also drive or walk to the Robert Scruggs House and the nature trail.
South Carolina National Park Service sites: Congaree National Park | Ninety Six National Historic Site | Kings Mountain National Military Park | Cowpens National Battlefield | Fort Sumter National Historic Site | Charles Pinckney National Historic Site | Reconstruction National Monument
