Tuesday, Sep 25, 2007
National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DATE: September 25, 2007 CONTACT: Donna Davis, (864) 461-2828
WORK AND PLAY AT COWPENS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD
On Saturday, September 29, 2007, Cowpens National Battlefield will participate in National Public Lands Day as well as having quill pen writing demonstrations.
Volunteers are invited to give back to their community by helping remove invasive, exotic species such as tree of heaven, mimosa, and honeysuckle from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center, wear comfortable work clothes and sturdy work shoes, and bring gloves, hat and sunscreen. Now in its 14th year, National Public Lands Day is the largest annual effort of its kind in the country. Cowpens National Battlefield is working to restore to its 18th century appearance the battlefield where Brigadier General Daniel Morgan defeated the British commander, Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton on January 17, 1781. Over the years, animals and humans have introduced exotic species, or species which were not here at the time of the battle, to the park. Over time, these introduced plants overwhelm and crowd out the native plants, eliminating a chance for park visitors to see the trees and plants that were part of the historic battlefield scene. The National Public Lands Day volunteer event is a great way to help Cowpens National Battlefield complete projects to improve and restore the park for everyone’s enjoyment.
In addition to this volunteer opportunity, visitors will have the chance to participate in a hands-on quill pen writing experience at the early 19th century Robert Scruggs House. Reenactors will demonstrate the use of quill pens and other period items that children used in school. Many of the modern conveniences that we take for granted today, even writing with a pen, required a lot of time and effort 200-plus years ago. In the 18th century, pens were made from the flight feathers of geese. People cut the point on the quill to shape it for writing. Using extracts from animals, plants, minerals, or burned lamp oil, they made their own ink. As computers are used more and more, ballpoint pens may eventually seem as archaic as quill pens. The public is cordially invited take part in this free program.
Cowpens National Battlefield protects and preserves the Revolutionary War battlefield where General Daniel Morgan defeated the British under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The battle at the “Cow Pens” is recognized by historians as one of the most important of the American Revolution. The park plays host to approximately 250,000 visitors annually. It is open 362 days per year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Days.) The park includes a Visitor Center, battlefield trail, nature trail, picnic area, and the historic 1828 Robert Scruggs House. For more information, call (864) 461-2828 or visit the parks’ webpage at www.nps.gov/cowp/.
Ninety miles southeast of Cowpens National Battlefield is Ninety Six National Historic Site, site of the first Revolutionary War battle in the South and of the longest siege of the American Revolution. Ninety Six will also be hosting a Public Lands Day event. For more information on Ninety Six National Historic Site, call the park at (864) 543-4068 or visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/nisi/. -NPS-
EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
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