Local SAR Chapter Commemorates the JAN 1781 Battle of Cowpens

The Colonel James Wood II Chapter VA SAR sponsored the Commemoration of the American Victory at the Battle of Cowpens at the tomb of BGen Daniel Morgan. The victory against British regular troops was a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. That Victory combined with Victory at Kings Mountain resulted in the British Army giving up their campaign in the south. Unable to catch American forces moving North, the British, under General Cornwallis moved to Yorktown where they were cornered. A months later they surrendered to General Washington after a tortuous siege and the only avenue of escape was closed by a French Naval Victory at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

The Battle at Cowpens, South Carolina pitted American Brigadier General Daniel Morgan against British LtCol Banestre Tarleton. Morgan’s skillful planning and understanding of the aggressive battle tactics of Tarleton set a trap that Tarleton fell into. The result was a decisive victory for the American’s.

Barry Schwoerer and Ken Bonner represented the Loudoun County based Sgt Maj John Champe Chapter. Mr. Schwoerer presented the Chapter wreath, led a parade of musket men who gave honors to the event, and participated in a three-shot musket Volley. Mr. Bonner led the event Color Guard for the parade and presentation of colors, then led the musket squad three-shot volley.

The event was held at the tomb of BGen Daniel Morgan in Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Winchester.