Battle of Cowpens
The Battle of Cowpens, fought on January 17, 1781, was a pivotal encounter during the American Revolutionary War, marked by strategic maneuvers and significant outcomes. Located in South Carolina, this battle featured Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton leading British forces against Brigadier General Daniel Morgan's American troops, who effectively used the terrain to their advantage. Morgan's initial tactics involved a layered defense, where sharpshooters engaged before retreating to regroup with the militia, setting the stage for a decisive counterattack.
The American forces executed a well-timed volley, followed by a bayonet charge, which overwhelmed the British troops, particularly the Highlanders. The engagement resulted in heavy losses for the British, with approximately 900 casualties and prisoners, compared to around 70 for the Americans. The victory at Cowpens significantly bolstered American morale and disrupted British control in the southern colonies. This battle is recognized not only for its military importance but also for its role in the broader context of the struggle for independence, demonstrating effective leadership and collaboration among American forces.
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Subject Terms
Battle of Cowpens
Type of action: Ground battle in the American Revolution
Date: January 17, 1781
Location: Cowpens, Piedmont region in South Carolina
Combatants: 1,100 British vs. 1,025 Americans
Principal commanders:British, Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton (1736–1802); American, Brigadier General Daniel Morgan (1754–1833)
Result: American victory and the destruction of much of Lord Charles Cornwallis’s light infantry
On January 17, 1781, Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton attacked Brigadier General Daniel Morgan’s troops, whose back and left flank were anchored by the Broad River. Morgan’s first line of 150 sharpshooters fired and then fell back to a second line of 300 militia. These fired two volleys and retired to the rear to regroup.
The British then pressed on to meet the main American line, which consisted of Continentals. A mistaken order caused a momentary retreat on the American right, but it was orderly and merely anticipated Morgan’s plan to draw in the British. When commanded, the Americans turned and subjected the British to withering fire. The shock of this volley was promptly followed with a bayonet charge.
This American counterattack was supported by dragoons, which struck the left flank and rear of the British Highlanders. The regrouped militia hit the Highlander’s right flank. Under this intense pressure, the Highlanders broke, causing panic throughout the British line. The British right was turned as well; therefore, Tarleton’s army experienced the disaster of a double envelopment. British casualties and prisoners numbered about 900. American casualties amounted to about 70.
Significance
Cowpens boosted American morale in the American Revolution and destroyed a good deal of Lord Charles Cornwallis’s army. Morgan’s army was able to unite with Nathanael Greene’s and continue to contest the British for control of the south.
Bibliography
Babits, Lawrence. A Devil of a Whipping: The Battle of Cowpens. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1998.
Liberty: The American Revolution. Documentary. Middlemarch Films, 1997.
Mitchell, Joseph. Decisive Battles of the American Revolution. New York: Putnam’s Son’s, 1962.
Roberts, Kenneth. The Battle of Cowpens. New York: Doubleday, 1958.