Morgan's Victory March, January 19-20, 2013

MORGAN’S VICTORY MARCH

232^th Anniversary January 19-20, 2013     

March back in history 232 years along the same route where General Daniel Morgan gathered his “Flying Army” and planned the great victory at Cowpens.  Back then the Americans had many worries and tension as Tarleton’s British army pushed them to either fight or surrender the backcountry of the Carolinas.        

On our march, we have fun reliving Morgan’s miracle of gathering his force together during the two-day race with the enemy while also planning how to use his soldiers to win a great victory at a place called the Cowpens. The marchers will see some beautiful country from Grindal Shoals to Cowpens battlefield. What a great way to get the feelings of how the weather, natural conditions, and distance helped shape how the battle turned out!    

January 19-20, 2013. On this weekend tour, we will march along the same route at about the same pace that Morgan used as he moved his army in January 1781. Present day hikers and bikers may go the entire 25-mile route or chose only the segments that interest them. Muster points are scheduled along the march for brief rests, toilets and refreshments, and hikers & bikers may join the march at these places.  This year the National Battlefield will award a “Morgan’s Flying Army” to marchers that complete the march.  

Interpretation Program. During the march, re-enactors & historians will describe what was happening at that time 232 years ago as the militia units were mustering and moving to help Morgan’ Continentals  defend their homeland against the British invaders. We will learn many great things about what happened in our backyards.   

Muster Grounds.  The first day’s march will be 15.1 miles, and marchers will park their cars at Asbury United Methodist Church, One of the properties along the march is the historic Nuckolls House, and the former home of Nancy and Gene Horne, 571 Asbury Road (SC Highway 211). They were significant planners in re-recreating the March. 

       7:30 am- Registration. Asbury United Methodist Church,467 Asbury Rd, Pacolet,29372

       8:10 am – Depart for Grindal Shoals

       9:10 am– Arrive back at Asbury United Methodist Church for refreshments

       9:30 am – Wagstop Plantation Stop for History    

      11:15 am-Knuckles Chapel Church-Intersection of Asbury Rd. & Goucher School Rd.

       12:30 pm-Highway 150 Mini-Mart, Intersection of SC 150 & Goucher School Rd.

       1:45 pm- Goucher/Whiteplains Fire Department and Fort Thicketty.

       5:00 pm,-Overnight camp Site, High Point Baptist Church.       

       5:15 pm- Shuttle back to parking lot at Wagstop Plantation.  

Marchers for the second day will muster before 7:30 AM at the Orchard Place Store Parking lot at Exit 87 of I-85 and shuttle to the overnight camp at the High Point Baptist Church. The march is 10.2 miles with the following muster points:        

       8:00 am- Overnight Camp at High Point Baptist Church.     

       8:55 am-Cherokee County EMS Station, Intersection of Macedonia & Love Springs Rd.

      10:00 am-Home of Paul & Reba Patterson, 192 Green Acres Rd. Brunch

      12:45 pm- Cowpens Overmountain Victory Trail parking lot, SC Hwy 11.

        1:30 pm-Arrival at Cowpens National Battlefield Visitors Center for awarding the

                    “Morgan’s Flying Army” medal and enjoying the 230^th  Anniversary exhibits   

        4:00 pm-Shuttle back to parking lot. 

Registration: Marchers should pre-register for the march with the Town of Pacolet (telephone 864-474-9504 or email eharris@townofpacolet.com).  Marchers will be asked to sign a waiver of liability for the sponsors and the landowners located along the route. There is no charge for marchers, but donations will be accepted.  

Personal Arrangements Marchers should wear warm clothes suitable for the weather forecasts and bring their own snacks. A wagon train will be available for weary marchers and transportation of hikers’ supplies.

 

Sponsors:  Town of Pacolet, Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society, Cowpens National Battlefield, Wagstop Plantation- the Paul Patterson Family Farm, and Palmetto Conservation Foundation. For more information about the March contact Jane Waters at the Cherokee Historical and Preservation Society, 864.489.3988 or email  jane.waters@cherokeecountyhistory.org.