Cowpens, SC

Local Events

Reenactments, heritage festivals, and living history programs — experience the Revolution where it happened.

List Calendar

Upcoming This Year

Date

TBD

Lecture

Spartanburg County Revolutionary War Roundtable Lecture Series

Cowpens National Battlefield Visitor Center / Spartanburg County Historical Association

A series of public lectures and scholarly talks hosted in partnership with local historical organizations focusing on the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution, with particular emphasis on the Battle of Cowpens, the Race to the Dan, and the broader backcountry war in the Carolina Piedmont. Speakers include NPS historians, university scholars, and authors of recent Revolutionary War publications.

FreeLectures are typically held periodically throughout the year, often at the battlefield visitor center or nearby venues. Contact the Cowpens National Battlefield or the Spartanburg County Historical Association to confirm dates and locations.

Earlier This Year

Jan

CeremonyFeatured

Battle of Cowpens Anniversary Celebration

Cowpens National Battlefield, 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC

Annual commemoration of the January 17, 1781 Battle of Cowpens held at the Cowpens National Battlefield. The event features living history demonstrations, weapons firing demonstrations, ranger-led programs, wreath-laying ceremonies, and guest speakers reflecting on the significance of Daniel Morgan's decisive victory over British forces under Colonel Banastre Tarleton.

FreeHeld on or near January 17; when the date falls mid-week the main commemoration may shift to the nearest Saturday. Check with Cowpens National Battlefield for exact dates.More info →

Jan

Reenactment

Cowpens National Battlefield Living History Weekend

Cowpens National Battlefield, 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC

A weekend of immersive living history at the national battlefield featuring reenactors portraying Continental soldiers, militia, and British troops. Visitors can observe musket and rifle firing demonstrations, period camp life, tactical talks on Daniel Morgan's innovative battle plan, and interact with costumed interpreters representing both American and British perspectives.

FreeTypically the Saturday closest to January 17; sometimes combined with the anniversary commemoration. Contact Cowpens National Battlefield to confirm dates.More info →

Jan

Guided Tour

Cowpens Battlefield Lantern Tour

Cowpens National Battlefield, 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC

A special ranger-led evening program at Cowpens National Battlefield where visitors walk the battlefield by lantern light, hearing firsthand accounts and dramatic narratives of the battle. The tour follows the path of Morgan's tactical deployment, from the militia skirmish line through the Continental infantry position to Colonel Washington's cavalry charge.

FreeTypically offered in January near the anniversary; exact scheduling varies by year. Contact Cowpens National Battlefield to confirm availability and reservation requirements.

Apr

Festival

Junior Ranger Day at Cowpens National Battlefield

Cowpens National Battlefield, 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC

A family-oriented educational event at Cowpens National Battlefield designed to engage young visitors with the history of the American Revolution in the Southern Campaign. Activities include hands-on colonial-era demonstrations, musket ball casting, period games, ranger-led walks along the battlefield trail, and completion of the Junior Ranger program booklet.

FreeOften held in conjunction with National Park Week in late April. Contact Cowpens National Battlefield to confirm dates.More info →