17 January in military history: Battle of Cowpens, 1781

Quick answer

On 17 January 1781 an American force of militia and Continental soldiers under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeated the British troops of Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at Cowpens, South Carolina. In less than an hour almost all of Tarleton's men were killed, wounded or captured, while American losses were light.

Battle of Cowpens, 1781

17 January 1781 · 245 years ago

On 17 January 1781 Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeated a British force under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton at Cowpens, South Carolina, in one of the most skillful American victories of the Revolution.

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Battle of Iłża, 1864: Rębajło's ambush in the January Uprising

17 January 1864 · 162 years ago

Polish insurgents of the January Uprising under Karol Kalita fought a Russian column of infantry and Cossacks led by Colonel Sukhonin near Iłża. Attacked from the rear as well, the Russians fell back into the town and held out in its houses until darkness ended the fight.

Read the full story of Battle of Iłża, 1864: Rębajło's ambush in the January Uprising ›

Battle of Monte Cassino, 1944: the mountain that cost four battles

17 January to 18 May 1944 · 82 years ago

The Allies won the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 after four months and four assaults on the German-held mountain and abbey that blocked the road to Rome.

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Frequently asked questions

When and where was the Battle of Cowpens?

It was fought on 17 January 1781 at Cowpens in northern South Carolina, during the American Revolutionary War.

Who won the Battle of Cowpens?

The Americans, decisively. Morgan's militia, Continentals and cavalry closed on both flanks of Tarleton's force, and nearly all the British were killed, wounded or captured, while Tarleton himself escaped.

How did Morgan use his militia?

He asked them for only two volleys before falling back behind the Continentals. The British took the withdrawal for a rout, ran into the Continental line, and were then struck on both flanks by the cavalry and the re-formed militia.

How many men were lost at Cowpens?

The British lost about 110 killed, over 200 wounded and more than 500 captured. American losses were 12 killed and 60 wounded according to the National Park Service, or 25 killed and 124 wounded according to the American Battlefield Trust.