Cowpens Historical Observance
Landmarks around Cowpens and Spartanburg, SC: a water tower, downtown Spartanburg, and the monument at the Cowpens battle site.
The Cowpens National Battlefield is a historical site near Spartanburg, SC where the battle between American Colonel Daniel Morgan and British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre "Bloody Banny" Tarleton made its way into American history. The battle occurred on January 17, 1781 in a pasturing area known as the Cow Pens where Morgan’s defeat over Tarleton became a turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
The National Park Service maintains the battle site as well as a museum and monument dedicated to the battle. Each year, the Park Service hosts a day of activities that includes reenactments and ceremonies commemorating the American victory and the Patriots that fell there. Historical organizations gather on this day to participate in a ceremony that pays homage to the sacrifices of our ancestors.
Historical Observance at Cowpens
"To the American Soldiers"
On January 16, 2010, the VASSAR Color Guard attended the Cowpens observance in South Carolina. The participants started the day in downtown Spartanburg where the National SAR Color Guard presented Colors. Participants recognized Patriot's achievements at the Cowpens Battle by laying a carnation at the base of the monument topped by a statue of Morgan.
The day was brisk and overcast as participants continued to the National Battlefield Park where celebrations included cavalry demonstrations, flintlock firing presentations, and exhibits where reenactors demonstrated life during the revolutionary war era. Participants rendered honors to the ancestors and Patriots that fought and died in the battle.
Fairfax Resolves Chapter Color Guardsmen in front of the Daniel Morgan Statue in downtown Spartanburg, SC.
Members of the Fairfax Resolves with other Virginia Compatriots in front of the Daniel Morgan Monument.
Compatriots from left to right: Wayne Rouse, Vern Eubanks, Darrin Schmidt, Peter Davenport, David Sympson, Larry McKinley, Allen Brahin, John Skillman, Frank Horton, Mike Tommy.
Darrin Schmidt (left) and Peter Davenport marching in carrying their respective Chapter flags: Fairfax Resolves and George Mason.
Allen Brahin (left) carries the Virginia Blue while Virginia Color Guard Commander Larry McKinley (right side) carries the Virginia Color Guard flag.
Larry McKinley carries a carnation for Virginia while Vern Eubanks stands at ease in the background.
Carnations commemorate the tributes to Daniel Morgan's skill and leadership at the Battle of Cowpens.
Larry McKinley places the Virginia carnation at the base of the Daniel Morgan Monument.
Darrin Schmidt salutes the soldiers that fought and died at the Battle of Cowpens.
Vern Eubanks marches into the ceremony at the Cowpens Battlefield carrying his Brown Bess musket.
Virginia Color Guard Commander Larry McKinley stands with the Virginia Color Guard flag at the Cowpens Battlefield ceremony.
Archived Pages: 2009