Create an image of the North Carolina militia fight at the Battle of Cowan's Ford Even in defeat when overwhelmed by superior numbers, the gallantry of the North Carolina militia allowed a larger American force to escape and regroup. That latter force was instrumental in one of Cornwallis's most significant defeats in turn. On this day in history, February 1, 1781, North Carolina militia fight at the Battle of Cowan's Ford. After a string of devastating defeats in the South, the Americans began to turn things around in the fall of 1780. After a stunning American victory at the Battle of Cowpens, American General Daniel Morgan headed north into North Carolina followed in hot pursuit by Lt. General Charles Cornwallis.