Cowan's Ford

Cowan's Ford, located on the Catawba River in northwestern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, is a significant historical site where American militia under Gen. William Davidson attempted to delay Gen. Charles Cornwallis’s forces on February 1, 1781. Visitors can explore the area where the skirmish took place, resulting in the death of Gen. Davidson. The site commemorates the strategic efforts of Davidson's troops to delay the British advance, allowing Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan to preserve their forces as they moved towards Virginia.

Nearby, the General William Lee Davidson Monument and the Beaver Dam Historic House offer further insights into Davidson's legacy. The monument marks the spot where Davidson was killed, while the historic house, built by his son, provides a glimpse into the life and times of the Davidson family. These sites collectively highlight the importance of the delaying tactics used by the American forces and the significant impact of Davidson's sacrifice on the Revolutionary War efforts in North Carolina.