Berryville, VA — On a cold morning in Clarke County, members of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution gathered to honor one of the most decisive turning points of the Southern Campaign: the Battle of Cowpens (South Carolina), fought on January 17, 1781. Hosted by the Col. James Wood II Chapter, the event combined hands‑on Color Guard training with a formal commemoration ceremony, blending education, remembrance, and living history.

The commemoration drew strong representation from across the Virginia Society. Among those present (photo, left to right) were Paul Christensen of the Col. James Wood II Chapter, Ken Morris of the George Mason Chapter, Paul McComb of the George Washington Chapter, Tom Hamill of the Culpeper Minutemen Chapter, and Paul Parish of the General Daniel Morgan Chapter, along with Michelle Phillips of the Park Horse Ford Chapter West Virginia NSDAR. Their participation added depth, fellowship, and a shared sense of purpose to the morning’s remembrance. The morning’s activities included the firing of flintlocks — a dramatic and fitting tribute to the tactics and tenacity of the Patriot forces at Cowpens. 

During the commemoration ceremony, each Virginia Society presented wreaths on behalf of their chapter, joining compatriots from across the state in honoring the men who fought under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. The ceremony also featured announcements related to America 250, including the display of the America 250 flag — a reminder that Cowpens stands among the pivotal victories that ultimately secured American independence.

Why Cowpens Still Matters

The Battle of Cowpens remains one of the most brilliantly executed engagements of the Revolutionary War. General Morgan’s use of a double‑envelopment — a tactic rarely seen in the 18th century — resulted in a stunning Patriot victory over Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton’s elite British Legion.

The victory had profound consequences:

• It shattered British momentum in the South.

• It forced Cornwallis to pursue Morgan and Greene into North Carolina, stretching his supply lines.

• It set the stage for the long campaign that would culminate in Yorktown.

And for Virginians, the connection is unmistakable. Many of Morgan’s men hailed from Virginia’s backcountry, and Morgan himself — a towering figure of frontier leadership — was a Virginian whose tactical genius helped turn the tide of the war. The triumph at Cowpens is part of Virginia’s Revolutionary legacy, a reminder of the grit and ingenuity that shaped the nation’s founding.

A Morning of Fellowship and Remembrance

Despite the biting cold, the Berryville gathering reflected the warmth of shared purpose. Color Guard members drilled together, learned together, and stood together in honoring the sacrifices of the past. The flintlock volleys echoed across the snowy field, offering a visceral connection to the men who fought at Cowpens 245 years ago.

McComb of the George Washington Chapter  provided group and action photos, helping preserve the memory of the day’s events for compatriots who could not attend.