Battle of Cowpens Poster

The Battle of Cowpens was a pivotal engagement in the American Revolutionary War and took place on January 17, 1781, in Cowpens, South Carolina. It was a decisive victory for the American forces, led by General Daniel Morgan, against the British army commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Morgan's strategy involved a clever use of tactics that capitalised on his troops' strengths, including well-trained militia and sharpshooters. In the battle, Morgan positioned his troops in three lines: Continental regulars in the front, militiamen in the centre, and sharpshooters and riflemen at the back. The British attacked the American centre, which appeared to be weakening due to a feigned retreat. However, this was part of Morgan's plan. As the British pressed forward, they encountered heavy resistance from the American regulars and militia. Meanwhile, American sharpshooters picked off British officers, causing confusion and disarray among the British ranks. The American forces eventually counterattacked, leading to a decisive victory. The Battle of Cowpens significantly boosted American morale and marked a turning point in the Southern campaign of the Revolutionary War, ultimately contributing to the British surrender at Yorktown later in 1781.