Cowpens National Battlefield

 After touring Kings Mountain National Military Park we decided to go towards Cowpens National Battlefield.  We had gone to Kings Mountain first as it was the park furthest away from where we were staying and so we wanted to see Cowpens on the way back.  It also turned out to be a good choice as the there had been quite a bit to see at Kings Mountain (especially with the hike) and the kids fell asleep on the drive from Kings Mountain.

The Battle of Cowpens, January 17, 1781, took place in the latter part of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution and of the Revolution itself. It became known as the turning point of the war in the South, part of a chain of events leading to Patriot victory at Yorktown. The Cowpens victory was won over a crack British regular army and brought together strong armies and leaders who made their mark on history.
--from Cowpens NB website

In front of the visitor center is a the U.S. Memorial Monument to the battle that captures your attention as you approach the building.

Inside the visitor center you had a choice between two viewpoints as the battle was explained.  As a historian I appreciated a balanced view.  Yes this was an American government organization, so overall the opinion was that American victory in the war was a good thing.  However, the British-Loyalist side wasn't simply dismissed as was often done in the past, instead the exhibits made an effort to explain the position.

Can't you hear your country call you?
"Come to the cow pens." is the cry.
Morgan needs your brave militia
Else his Flying Army die.
Andrew Pickens' at the cow pens,
And Continentals will be there.
Meet Dan'l at the cow pens,
That brave old Wagoner.
There'll be slaughter in the highlands
If Daniel Morgan fails.
The Carolinas will be lost
If Bloody Tarleton prevails.
For the sake of wives and daughters
Take rifle, shot and powder,
Mount your horse and ride,
Towards the calls which echo louder.
Come to the cow pens!
Come to the cow pens!
Come to the cow pens!
Dr. Christine R. Swager
--from exhibit signs



In the exhibit area you could see both the British perspective portrayed.

 Whereas just around the corner was the Patriot Army.

Both views came together once you reached the theater area where a short film was presented.

The sequence of the battle was also explained via a painting.
"In this painting the Americans have just fired.  The British are stunned.  Many have been killed or wounded."

"Their ranks are disordered since they had broken formation to pursue the Americans.  Colonel Howard has ordered his men to charge with the bayonet."

 "The militia under Colonel Pickens, reformed since the earlier fighting, are striking the British left flank."

"William Washington's dragoons are sweeping toward the British right flank."

"A perfectly timed double envelopment is being executed; the American victory is at hand."

There were a number of drawers in the back of the exhibit area that kids were encouraged to open.

There were also a number of playable figures on top of the drawers.

Inside some of the drawers were cards and other games.

Toy soldiers were found in another drawer.  As a father of young kids I really appreciate exhibits with interactive components designed to promote participation by children.

After a quick look around the gift shop we headed back to the car (actually I think I'd gone inside solo with the kids in sequence) so we could drive around the battlefield.

 There were a few roadside signs as we drove along.

 The park pamphlet also explained several stops along the route.

As we left I made sure to grab a picture of the park sign, which I usually try to do whenever I arrive.

The rest of the pictures are located in this album.

~Matt