cowpens national battlefield

We came during the January celebration marking the Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens, and it did not disappoint. Their were all kinds of weapons demonstrations, mock camps set up everywhere, guided ranger tours which were fun and entertaining, drum and fife, and more. This was all free, including the parking. It was a great day out, and I was shocked they did not pay for such an event. My son had just completed a unit on the Revolutionary War, and all of the sights, and sounds really helped bring to life battles, camp life, and more. The grounds were well kept, bathrooms clean, and there is a little museum and gift shop on the premise. We would love to come back.

This National Park Service site has an excellent Visitor Center and other resources which inform visitors of one of the most important American Patriot victories in the American Revolution. Well worth your time.

We took our 3 Scotties to the battlefield for a nice afternoon walk. Little did we know that it was the 253rd Anniversary of the battle. There was lots of things going on, including Fifes and Drums. The grounds are level , so it makes for an easy walk for everyone. It is also incredibly quiet and calming there. It is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon.

Carve out 60-90 min from your interstate travels and enjoy kid friendly presentations about a battle in our American Revolution. The park rangers are very informative. The displays are interesting to look at. The 15 min(?) movie is entertaining and easy to follow. And the 1 mile loop around the battlefield will give you and the kids a chance to really stretch your legs.

You can read and read about it. But to walk the Cowpens battlefield is the only way to truly understand it. Cowpens NBP has an excellent visitor's center with plenty of car and bus/RV parking. Restrooms are spacious. The whole park is very well-maintained. Great staff and all were kind and helpful. The film, lighted map, and exhibits are all up-to-date and a must see. I liked how the park caters to all ages, all knowledge levels, and one can visit with no knowlege and come away with a full understanding. With some reading done ahead of time you can still learn things that enhance what you already know. There is a children's area with hands on activities. The picnic shelter and nature trail, bike paths, paved and unpaved running opportunities are fantastic. Very much something for the whole famiily and all interests. This is a great detour off of I-85 for several hours or the time that you have. Do not let the distance off the main road stop you. The battlefield itself is preserved well and has great signs to help one get from one place to another. You can do the auto loop around the whole thing and see a great deal, get out and walk to key sites, or start at the vistor's center and walk the trail in no time at all. All of it is ADA accessible. The best way to see the ground and get the clearest picture is to walk the field and it is not a long jaunt at all. Even after reading about the battle for years one does not achieve a full picture until you walk it. I said to myself once I grasped the importance of the ground, "Morgan, you old dog, and Tarleton, you idiot!" There are lessons to be learned by study and walking this ground. From years of going to battlefields in many states where not enough of the site was preserved I can say this one was saved in time and has plenty of land unlike many others. I came away with a great appreciation of what the patriots there did there and a great feeling that when it comes to preservation and interpretation, Cowpens does it right.

We love to walk the park and take in it's beauty. The grounds are well maintained and you feel safe while in the park.

It is nice and we'll maintained and dabbled with history and natural beauty! It is quiet and clean! Would recommend any of the trails!

We drove to Cowpens from Charlotte and toured the battlefield as always the park ranger were very knowledgeable of the battle, we watched a short video and then drove the grounds touring where the battle took place over 200 year ago.

A significant battle in the Revolutionary War and part of the Overmountain Trail. Great visitor center and information - part of our GREAT National Park System and this stop is another one with no charge.

At Cowpens Battlefield, there is a Visitor's Center and there are information stands along the 3 mile one way loop explaining specific topics of the Revolutionary War. On several weekends of the year, reenactments take place. Check on their website for more information. There are several 'stops' along the loop, such as the Scruggs House, a horse riding trail and many marked trails through the woods. The trails through the woods are not strenuous and have bridges that cross creeks. In the middle of the 'loop' is a rec area with a building, including restrooms and several picnic areas with some having grills. The rec area can be rented - check with the office for details. Great area for a quiet picnic in nature and there is no charge for the picnic areas. Just make sure you clean up after your visit.Drive SLOWLY in the loop since many locals use the loop for running and cycling. Be ready to wave or at least tell others, "Hello!" since we are a friendly southern town.

After a drive through the SC countryside on a beautiful autumn afternoon, we arrived at Cow Pens NB. We'd joked that this was my mother's first visit to a National Park, and that she should start small.Instead of small, we found a beautiful visitors' center and very helpful rangers. The two presentations, with a light show illustrating the combatants lines, were very well done. Fascinating that the south was where the tide of the Revolution turned - and on a muffled order, to boot.

I was made aware of this battlefield through a history education class. This battle was a pivotal point in demonstrating that the patriots could fight and defeat the British. The participants of this battle were the rock stars of their era and now are almost unknown. They have an small but informative visitors center. Lots of open fields where the battle took place, which they keep well mowed. They offer tours of course. A beautiful area to walk, history not withstanding. Well worth the trip to see. Don't forget to visit the web site before going. If you are lucky you will meet the WWII vet that volunteers there.

This location is a nice quiet park where you can enjoy the out doors and history at the same time. Their are signs all along the trails and an up to date digitally enhanced building that shows history movies and holds other military items.

All the other reviews give a really clear description of this largely unknown but historically significant place. For history enthusiasts, the grounds are hallowed. Non enthusiasts will be bored stiff, so know your audience. For the latter, if they saw the movie The Patriot, it was loosely based on this battle so that may help boost interest levels. The small visitors center has a surprisingly good movie, a few relics to see, a tiny gift shop, a list of the days events, and a very knowledgeable staff of park rangers who seem to be chomping at the bit for someone to ask questions. So ask questions. We had a pretty lively talk about the old medical practice of intentionally bleeding people, as an example. The grounds are easy to navigate and its a pleasant walk. For those into military history, the genius of the strategy employed by the Patriots is easily visualized, and powerful to experience. For everybody else, enjoy the stroll in the woods!

There isn't much to see here, but that's not really the point. If you are aware of what happened on this field, or if you care to learn, the place comes to life and stands on its own historical significance. This was the site of a masterful piece of military strategy by Daniel Morgan that helped turn the tide of the war. Go here and envision British general Banastre Tarleton feeling for his life on his horse down the Green River Road. Think of the fact that simple farmers from this region of the country gathered here to fight side-by-side with the Continential Army for the "Glorious Cause." Think about what it means to be an American.As for the park itself, the staff is very helpful and eager to discuss the history of Cowpens. There is also a 30-minute film every visitor should watch. Be advised, this place is in the middle of nowhere. You'll need to drive back to Spartanburg about a half-hour away for any good meals or lodging.