On October 7, 1780, brother met brother, neighbor met neighbor, Patriot met Loyalist on a battlefield in rural South Carolina. The battle lasted an hour: the brevity belied the import. Thomas Jefferson proclaimed the Battle of King's Mountain turned "the tide of success which terminated the Revolutionary War, with the seal of our independence."

Fewer than one thousand American Heroes, through skill, luck, and the leadership of cunning strategists, defeated Patrick Ferguson, a brilliant star of the British military might. William Fowler was one of the Heroes who fought - and died - in the battle.

His participation in the Battle of King's Mountain was documented by the Updated List of Dr. Bobby Gilmer Moss and by the inclusion of his name on the 1909 Monument. His name was inscribed as one of the casualties (see photograph of plaque to the left).

We do not know much about William Fowler. We do not know his year or place of his birth. We do not know whether he had family. We do know that he was a valiant Patriot who fought a foe who wielded an oppressive hammer, threatening the freedom of a people who refused to be threatened. We do know that he deserved to be recognized for the role he played in history. This memorial was added to serve as an expression of the gratitude and respect owed this Hero who gave his life so others could go forth and build a new country: our America.

From the Virginia, Biographical Encyclopedia:

"The British had 1,103 men under Ferguson, and the Americans 923, mostly Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. The ground of the battle is 600 yards long, 250 wide at base, 60 to 120 wide on top, and 60 feet above the country level. The English held the eminence. The Americans were in two columns, two men deep on the right of the mountain, under Campbell and Servier, and two on the left under Cleveland and Shelby. Cleveland made a ringing appeal, and the attack was begun with yells. The battle raged all around the mountain; Cleveland's horse was disabled, but he fought on foot until remounted. Several times the Americans were forced down the ascent, only to rally and gamely retrace their steps. Ferguson tried to break through but fell with eight wounds. The British finally surrendered, having lost 157 killed, 153 wounded and 706 prisoners, and over 1,200 arms. The Americans had 28 killed and 62 wounded. It was a complete victory and crushed the English cause in the South. It withdrew the Carolinas from Tory domination, and was the forerunner of Cowpens, Guilford, Eutaw, Yorktown and Independence."