Banastre Tarleton
During the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Cowpens was fought on January 17, 1781, resulting in a decisive victory for American Patriot forces over British troops commanded by Banastre Tarleton. The battle site is preserved at Cowpens National Battlefield, located north of town in Cherokee County, near the town of Chesnee. Two ships of the U.S. Navy have been named in honor of the battle.