Cowpens battlefield undergoes renovation

From: The State, SC - Nov 30, 2003

COWPENS – Cowpens battlefield, where an American contingent overwhelmed a larger British force during the Revolutionary War, is undergoing an extensive renovation.

Ironsmith Abraham Duenas depicted the story of hand-to-hand combat between American William Washington and British Gen. Banastre Tarleton on new iron gates to the national battlefield in Spartanburg County.

Chief park ranger Pat Ruff said the interior of the visitors center and museum is being renovated to make it accessible to handicapped people. New paint, doors, flooring and guides for those who are hearing impaired and visually impaired are in place.

The National Park Service foots the bill for such projects in a process similar to awarding grants. Employees of sites must justify their needs and try to get selected for funds. Repairing the monument at the site has been the most expensive part of the $350,000 renovation.

© 2003 The State and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.