Daniel Morgan Biography

Daniel Morgan was born on July 6, 1736, in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Morgan was an American pioneer, Virginia statesman, colonial rifleman, and Revolutionary War hero.

Morgan's Riflemen

Captain Morgan is best known however for his courage and skill as a leader and soldier on the battlefield of the Revolutionary War. In 1775, Morgan led an elite group of Virginia riflemen called "Morgans Riflemen" against the British army on the successful Siege of Boston. Later that same year, Morgan was asked to assist Benedict Arnold in the invasion of Canada because of success at the Siege of Boston.

Defeat of Tarleton at Cowpens

In 1777, George Washington promoted Morgan to a Colonel due to his excellent ability to led colonial riflemen on the battlefield of war. Later in 1777, Colonel Morgan was put in command of more troops during the battles at Saratoga: Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights. In 1780 because of his many successes in the war, Colonel Morgan was promoted to the military post of brigadier general. Morgan is best known for his masterful tactics at the Battle of Cowpens in South Carolina in January of 1781. During the battle, Morgan's strategy successfully coaxed British forces under Banastre Tarleton to charge prematurely. As British forces charged, they ran straight into a Patriot ambush, resulting in 940 British casualties and the capture of British supplies and equipment. The British defeat at Cowpens was a major blow to the British hopes of securing the southern colonies.