This name was derived from the circumstance that, some years before the Revolution, before that section of
South Carolina was settled, some persons in
Camden (then called Pine-Tree) employed two men to go up to the
Thicketty Mountain, and in the grassy intervals among the hills raise cattle.
As a compensation, they were allowed the entire use of the cows during the summer, for making butter and cheese, and the steers in tillage.
In the fall large numbers of the fatted cattle would be driven down to
Camden to be slaughtered for beef on account of the owners.
This region, on account of its grass and fine springs, was peculiarly favorable for the rearing and use of cows, and consequently was called “The
Cowpens.”
Subsequently the name of
Cowpens was given to a village in
Spartanburg county, which became the scene of a spirited battle in the
Revolutionary War (1781).
From his camp, eastward of the
Pedee,
Greene sent
Morgan, with the
Maryland regiment and
Washington's dragoons of
Lee's corps, across the
Broad River, to operate on the
British left and rear.
Observing this, Cornwallis left his camp at
Winnsborough, and pushed northward between the
Broad River and the
Catawba, for the purpose of interposing his force between
Greene and
Morgan.
Against the latter he had detached
Tarleton with about 1,000 light troops.
Aware of
Tarleton's approach,
Morgan retired behind the
Pacolet, intending to defend the ford; but
Tarleton crossed 6 miles above, when
Morgan made a precipitate retreat.
If he could cross the
Broad River, he would be safe.
On his right was a hilly district, which might afford him protection; but, rather than be overtaken in his flight, he prepared to fight on the ground of his own selection.
He chose for that purpose the place known as “The
Cowpens,” about 30 miles west of
King's Mountain.
He arranged about 400 of his best men in battle order on a little rising ground.
There were the
Maryland light infantry, under
Lieut.-Col. John Eager Howard, composing the centre, and Virginia riflemen forming the wings.
Lieut.-Col. William Washington, with eighty dragoons, were placed out of sight, as a reserve, and about 400 Carolinians and Georgians,
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under
Col. Andrew Pickens, were in the advance, to defend the approaches to the camp.
North Carolina and
Georgia sharp-shooters acted as skirmishers on each flank.
At eight o'clock on the morning of Jan. 17,
Tarleton, with 1,100 troops, foot and horse, with two pieces of cannon, rushed upon the republicans with loud shouts.
A furious battle ensued.
In a skilful movement, in the form of a feigned retreat,
Morgan turned so suddenly upon his pursuers, who believed the victory was secured to them, that they wavered.
Seeing this,
Howard charged the
British lines with bayonets, broke their ranks, and sent them flying in confusion.
At that moment
Washington's cavalry broke from their concealment, and made a successful charge upon
Tarleton's horsemen.
The
British were completely routed, and were pursued about 20 miles. The
Americans lost seventy-two killed and wounded. The
British lost over 300 killed and wounded, and nearly 500 made prisoners.
The spoils were two cannon, 800 muskets, horses, and two standards.
The cannon had been taken from the
British at
Saratoga, and retaken from
Gates at
Camden.
The Congress gave
Morgan the thanks of the nation and a gold medal, and to
Howard and
Washington each a silver medal.