Battle of Cowpens

Battle of Cowpens, engagement of the American Revolution, fought between American and British troops near King's Mountain, South Carolina, on January 17, 1781. American general Nathanael Greene divided his army in two parts to oppose the British troops led by Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquis Cornwallis as they marched northward into North Carolina. American general Daniel Morgan was sent westward to outflank Cornwallis, but Cornwallis also sent out troops to meet Morgan. Morgan and his troops retreated and fortified themselves at Cowpens, South Carolina, a place once used for cattle roundup. Morgan made skillful preparations, placing some of his men in hiding while others pretended to retreat as the British approached. Suddenly the Americans turned on the British, broke their lines, and drove them in disorderly flight. Most of the British troops were killed or captured, and quantities of supplies were taken into possession by the American troops. The battle was a startling victory; however, Cornwallis was stopped only temporarily. Morgan rejoined Greene, and the American army retreated across North Carolina and into Virginia before it turned and met Cornwallis for another battle at Guilford Courthouse in March 1781.