17 January 1781 Battle of Cowpens remembered in Winchester

On January 17, 1781 an American Army under the command of Brigadier General Daniel Morgan faced a British Army commanded by LtCol Banastre Tarleton in a pasture near Thicketty Creek near the town of Cowpens, Cherokee County, South Carolina. The Americans won an overwhelming victory, giving the British, the worst loss of the Revolution since the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. The victory was attributed to bold, innovative tactics by Daniel Morgan.

The victory at Cowpens resulted in the British abandonment of their Southern Campaign and movement of their forces into Virginia. Shortly After entering Virginia, General Cornwallis moved his army to Yorktown. When the French defeated the British fleet in the Battle of the Capes, the British lost the ability to escape Yorktown. On 19 October, 1781 the British army surrendered at Yorktown, ending the Revolutionary War.

The Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter was represented by past President Ken Bonner and President Barry Schwoerer. Mr. Schwoerer participated in Color Guard for presentation of Colors and presented the chapter wreath. Both Schwoerer and Bonner participated in a three shot volley with replica flintlock muskets.

For more information about the Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter visit our website at https://johnchampe-sar.org