Near Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Seasons of Protection
World War II at our Doorstep
In 1940, the country readied for war. This site was a natural choice for a military reservation, to help protect the entrance to Chesapeake Bay, our naval bases, and our nation's capital.
Several 8-inch railway guns were installed during construction. By 1943, 90-mm, 6-inch, and 16-inch guns stood poised for action. Controlled mines, searchlights, and radar were also added. Approximately 800 soldiers proudly walked these grounds the height of the war.
No Shots Fired
The threat to our shores eased, and by 1946, Fort Custis was placed in caretaker status. The installation closed in 1948, and the weapons were dismantled having never served in battle.
Take a Look
As you walk the trail, look for remnants of the site's prominent past.
The installation came alive, once again, in 1950 as the Cape Charles Air Force Station. Part of a national radar network, it served the country well until 1981 when the site's military career came to a final close.
[Captions:]
Originally called Fort Winslow, the installation was later renamed Fort John Custis after a Virginia planter, the stepson of George Washington.
16-inch gun with M4 barbette carriage and shield
8-inch railway gun
Erected by Fish
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • War, Cold • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 37° 7.811′ N, 75° 57.735′ W. Marker is near Cape Charles, Virginia, in Northampton County. It is at the intersection of Nature Trail and Wildlife Trail Access, on the right when traveling east on Nature Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cape Charles VA 23310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
