Cowpens National Battlefield - Chesnee, SC - Revolutionary War Battlefield and Museum

Intended to commemorate one of the decisive battles of the American Revolution, Cowpens National Battlefield is part of the National Park Service. On January 17, 1781, British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton was defeated by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and his troops. Sometimes called "Bloody'' Tarleton, Tarleton and his men were soundly defeated by Morgan's effective use of the militia and Continental troops. Many of Tarleton's troops were killed or captured. The rest of his troops fled. As one of the few double envelopments in history that was actually successful, historians recognize the Battle of Cowpens to be one of the most important battles of the Revolution.

The Battle of Cowpens was the second defeat in a row for General Cornwallis and his British forces. Just nine months later, Cornwallis was forced to surrender to General George Washington in Yorktown. Due to its historical significance, the Cowpens National Battlefield is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Battlefield now features a marked road tour and a walking trail. The Battlefield is home to picnic grounds and offers a Visitor Center. The Visitor Center features a museum with Revolutionary War memorabilia, hands-on children's exhibits, a reproduction of a 3-pounder cannon, and a laser disk presentation called "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered.'' Posters, slides, books, postcards and other souvenirs are available for purchase.

The Battlefield Trail is a partially paved trail that is 1.3 miles in length. Wayside exhibits are located along this trail. The 1856 Washington Light Infantry Monument is also located along this path. The 3.8 mile Auto Loop Road runs along the Battlefield's perimeter and offers access to the Robert Scruggs Log House and to trails that go to the Green River Road. Wayside exhibits are also featured. The Trailhead Parking Lot is located at the trailhead for Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

There is no charge for admission to the Battlefield. Regular hours of operation for the park are from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. In preparation for the park's closing, the picnic area and Auto Loop Road close daily at 4:30 pm. Located on the eastern border of the park, the Trailhead Parking Lot stays open 6:00am-9:00pm daily to allow additional access to the Battlefield by bicycles and pedestrians before, during, and after regular park hours. The Battlefield is closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

The Battlefield hosts an anniversary celebration every year on the weekend closest to January 17. The celebration commemorates the Battle of Cowpens and features a living history encampment and firing demonstrations. In addition, the park typically celebrates Independence Day on the weekend closest to July 4th. Fireworks and other activities take place on Independence Day weekend. All events are free to the public.

The only fee charged at the Battlefield is a picnic shelter rental fee. The shelter is available 9:00-4:15pm daily. Fees are based on the number of people using the shelter. The cost for 50 people or less is $35. The shelter fee is $60 for 51-100 people, and the fee is $100 for 101-125 people. The shelter is not able to accommodate more than 125 people. Shelter reservations can be made by calling 864-461-2828. The shelter is in the picnic area, which is located roughly 1.5 miles around the loop road. The picnic area has picnic tables, restrooms, and grills.

In some cases, visitors may need to procure a special use permit for the park. Special use permits may have a fee associated, and these permits must be obtained in advance. Special use permits may be required for scientific research, commercial filming, adventure races, sound recordings, photography shoots, and special events. For questions regarding special use permits or to request a permit application, interested parties can call Cowpens National Battlefield directly at 864-461-2828.

Cowpens National Battlefield is located off of Highway 11 at 4001 Chesnee Highway.