Although a small national park, the exhibits and extra information via cell phone bring Revolutionary War history home. I've read quite a few books set during the Revolutionary War, especially in New England, but never had I heard about battles in the south.I always had considered this war a battle between colonists and British soldiers. In the south, the battles were much more personal. At King's Mountain, for instance, the "loyalist" or "Tory" soldiers were themselves colonists. So, this battle was its own civil war, pitting brothers against brothers, fathers against sons and neighbors against neighbors.The museum exhibits in the visitor's center as well as the well-placed information panels along the 1.5-mile paved path put the visitor in the midst of the battle. It's incredible to imagine what the patriots would have felt climbing a mountain to meet the royalists armed with bayonets.
This is the first of three battles which turned the tide for the Patriot forces in the south at a time when General Washington was essentially sitting on his hands outside of New York City, waiting for the opportunity to retake the city which would never come. It is remarkable to consider that from June 1778(the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse) to October 1781(the surrender at Yorktown), little in the way of significant fighting was taking place in the north while battles of various size and intensity were commonplace in the Carolinas. This battle was as unusual as the Cowpens battle yet to come but for different reasons. It was fought totally by American militia, both Patriot and Loyalist, save the Loyalist leader, Patrick Ferguson. This battle, with 2000 men engaged, was a true civil war with neighbor against neighbor and resulted in a resounding victory for the Patriot side. While I wouldn't exactly call Kings Mountain a mountain, it is a prominent hill and the paved trail around and then up the mountain provides a clear perspective as to how the battle unfolded. There are markers along the way and two large monuments at the summit. It is but a short drive from Kings Mountain to Cowpens so you can easily take in both in a short period of time. The only caveat is to make sure you set your GPS to Kings Mountain National Military Park, which is in South Carolina; not the town of Kings Mountain which is in North Crolina
A small park with trails and camping etc. The Visitors center has a film clip and displays better than many older Nat'l Park. The interest lies in the fact it was a turning point in the war and the begining of the end of Cornwallis in the south, thus the end of British attempts to keep the colonies. Have long held the north started the war and the south won it. Opposite of the civil war, where the south started it and the north won.
Kings Mountain National Military Park is a great place for individuals and families. It is a pleasant trail to hike most any time of the year. I enjoy packing a light picnic lunch and coming up to the park for a few hours. My grandparents brought me here when I was a child, and I worked here after high school. The park is rich in history and natural wildlife.
This national park is very educational and worth your time. Only a few miles off I85, it's a quick trip to the visitor center which includes a museum, movie, gift shop with trails around the battlefield. Movie in particular was very good with a nice theater - excellent A/C on a hot day! Most surprising aspect was the bathrooms. They were spotless, modern and had granite countertops! Did not have time to visit anything but the visitor center - will be back later in the fall when the leaves turn. A very peaceful and beautiful place.
An easy walk on paved paths with signage along the way. Very clean, little visitor's center with uniforms displayed and the park staff is great.
Visiting this state and national park provides wonderful information about a battle that Thomas Jefferson stated was a turning point for the Patriots against the Tories and the Royalists. The film with re-enactments and museum provide a wealth of information in the audio visual spots.
We were there all day today and are staying at the little inn in Grover, a history paradise. It is called the Inn of the Patriots and has the White House Chef there. It is fun. My wife loved the walking trails at this park!
The power was out following a T-storm the previous evening resulting in an inability to watch the movie or walk through the museum in the visitors center. The trails were open and the Park staff was fantastic.
I been to this park during July 4 weekend. This park has lot of history and beautiful monuments there on the battlefield trail. I took a hike on browns mountain trail the views were really nice. There are lot of trees and cool breeze kept us feeling good even on a hot summer day. Park has good facilities and a nice visitor center gift shop. I would recommend this park for a day trip very close to charlotte. Good place for a hiking easy trails and lot nicer in summer.