This classic military tactic, known as a double envelopment, secured a patriot victory.
Photo: NPS Photo
Cowpens National Battlefield
A pasturing area at the time of the battle, this Revolutionary War site commemorates the place where Daniel Morgan and his army turned the flanks of Banastre Tarleton's British army.
- LocationGaffney, SC
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now89°F Sunny
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- American Revolution
- American Revolutionary War
- Battlefields
- Military
- Wars and Conflicts
Alerts (1)
CautionHazardous Conditions on Trails Visitors should exercise caution when hiking areas of the park that have opened since Hurricane Helene. Hazards on trail… Read more
Visitors should exercise caution when hiking areas of the park that have opened since Hurricane Helene. Hazards on trails and in forested areas such as hanging tree limbs, debris on the ground, and washed-out sections of trails and bridges are possible.
Things to Do
11 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Cowpens National Battlefield
Facility
Museum contains a reproduction 3-pounder cannon, other weapons and artifacts of the Revolutionary War period, and exhibits. "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered" is an…
Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC (864) 461-2828 Directions
Details
Museum contains a reproduction 3-pounder cannon, other weapons and artifacts of the Revolutionary War period, and exhibits. "Cowpens: A Battle Remembered" is an 18-minute video shown hourly in the museum. American Battlefield Trust film on the American Revolution shown in the map room (18 minutes) Sales Outlet operated by America's National Parks offers books, postcards, and theme-related souvenirs.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Grounds
Hours by area (3)
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GroundsDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
The visitor center parking lot is open 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. The front gate closes at 5:00 pm. Loop Road closes at 4:30 pm. After hours parking is located 1 mile east at the intersection of Hwy 11 and Hayes Road and is open dawn to dusk. Visitor Center is open Wed - Sunday 9 - 5.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM -
Trails and Trailhead ParkingDaily, Sunrise to Sunset
The trailhead parking lot on the eastern boundary of the park is open dawn to dusk for additional pedestrian and bicycle access to the battlefield trail.
Monday Sunrise to Sunset Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset Thursday Sunrise to Sunset Friday Sunrise to Sunset Saturday Sunrise to Sunset Sunday Sunrise to Sunset -
Restrooms, Picnic Area, and Auto Loop RoadDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
The public restroom facilities, picnic shelter, and auto loop tour road close at 4:30 PM. They are closed on New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
89°F
Sunny · feels like 87°
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Today
90° 56°
Sunny3% rain
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Tomorrow
88° 67°
Sunny6% rain
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Saturday
84° 63°
Light rain shower82% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Temperatures for the area range from very hot and humid in the summer to cool and moderate in the winter. http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=35.1346&lon=-81.7036#.VhkrZ-xVhBc
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
8 coming up-
Night Before Kings Mountain
About
Dine and Learn!
October 6, 2026
5:30 pm to 7: 00 pm
Bring your own food, blanket, and chair!
After Hours Picnic
This event will be held at Cowpens National Battlefield! Join the Overmountain Victory Trail Association for a special event recreating the journey to the Battle of Kings Mountain. On October 6, 1780, thousands of patriots gathered at Cowpens as they pursued Major Patrick Ferguson on a route now known as the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Learn about this legacy with a special talk by the Overmountain Victory Trail Association. Bring your own blanket, chair, and food, and enjoy the talk that begins at 6:00 pm! -
246th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cowpens
About
Join us for the 246th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cowpens. Experience historic weapons demonstrations, living historians in period clothing, ranger-led battlefield walks, guest speakers, and more! Details to follow.
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246th Anniversary of the Battle of Cowpens
About
Join us for the 246th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Cowpens. Experience historic weapons demonstrations, living historians in period clothing, ranger-led battlefield walks, guest speakers, and more! Details to follow.
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Library Day
About
Join us for librarian-led Storytimes, ranger walks of the battlefield, children's activites, and more! Details to follow.
Show 4 more events
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Junior Ranger Day
About
Join us in celebrating Junior Ranger Day with three different Junior Ranger booklets! Details to follow.
Explore our Junior Ranger Programs.
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Legacy of Cowpens
About
Join us in commemorating the USS Cowpens CVL-25 and USS Cowpens CG-63, named after the Battle of Cowpens. Experience WWII living history display and exhibits. Details to follow.
Discover the history of the USS Cowpens.
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Celebration of Freedom
About
Join in us in celebrating Indpendence Day with historic weapons demonstrations, ranger-led walks, and more! Details to follow.
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National Park Service Birthday
About
Join us in celebrating the National Park Service's birthday! More details to follow.
Photos
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Washington Light Infantry Monument in the Fog — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Gaffney, SC 29341
From I-85 S, take exit 83. Turn left on Hwy 110, approx. 8 miles.
Full directions
Turn right on Hwy 11. The park is about a half mile on the right. From I-85 N, take exit 92, turn right toward Chesnee on Hwy 11, approx.10 miles on the left. From I-26 E, take exit 5, turn left toward Chesnee on Hwy 11, approx. 20 miles on the right. From I-26 W, take I-85 North, take exit 83. Turn left on Hwy 110, approx. 8 miles. Turn right on Hwy 11. The park is about a half mile on the right.
Mailing address: Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney, SC 29341
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