Today we took Chase and Sadie to Cowpens Battlefield in Cowpens SC. It's about 30 minutes from our house. I know that's a weird name for a town. I thought it was odd the first time I heard it and you can imagine what went through my mind when I envisioned a town named Cowpens. Now, whenever I mention it to other people they almost always say, "Cowpens? Why'd they name a town that?" So here is the rest of the story:
If you didn't know, South Carolina had more Revolutionary War battles than any of the other states. Several of them were significant turning points in the war, including the battle at Cowpens led by General Daniel Morgan. The term cowpens referred to a local grazing area for free-range cattle at the time. Before the days of the Internet, the General Morgan's message swept across the Carolina countryside, "Meet us at cowpens!"
Through an ingenious plan Morgan composed the front line with the local patriot militia. The British under Colonel Tarleton sensing an easy victory advanced on the line. Morgan ordered the front to fall back and then on the next hill the British found themselves facing the Continental Army in full force. The Revolutionaries lost 72 men at Cowpens on Jan. 17, 1781 to the 600 losses in the British Army. Colonel Tarleton was sent fleeing into the hills. The overwhelming victory at Cowpens gave hope to the Patriots and changed the course of the Revolutionary War!
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