Near Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Winslow Battery
Fort John Custis was defended by a number of batteries with various artillery, including Battery Winslow with its two 16-inch guns. These large guns were similar to the ones used on the battleships of World War II. A rail system was laid throughout the fort by the Pennsylvania Railroad to provide coal, ammunition, and other supplies to the soldiers manning the guns.
Although test fired, these guns were never hired at any enemy ship.
[Captions:]
These large guns could fire a 2000 pound projectile over 25 miles. that would be equal to the distance from Fort John Custis to Portsmouth, Virginia. (Imagine a small vehicle being tossed completely across the span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and having several more miles in the air before coming to a halt.
Named in honor of Brigadier General E. Eveleth Winslow, U.S. Army Guns: Two 16-inch MK II-M1 (Navy) guns on M4 Barbette carriages
Erected by Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Railroads & Streetcars • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2000.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Eastern Shore. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and in the Tidewater. 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 markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Blast From the Past (here, next to this marker); A Vital Site (a few steps from this marker); Seasons of Protection (a few steps from this marker); Just Passing Through (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Land Use (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); In the Distance (about 600 feet away); Local Patriots (approx. Ό mile away); Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Charles.
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 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
