Cape Charles in Northampton County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Peter Jacob Carter
From Enslavement to Statesman
From 1879-1880, Peter Jacob Carter was a keeper of the Cherrystone Bar lighthouse that was located just offshore in front of you. It was the third federal job for a remarkable man who was born into enslavement just a few miles north of here in Eastville.
When U.S. troops arrived on the Eastern Shore in the winter in 1861, 18-year-old Carter self-emancipated. He later enlisted in the 10th United States Colored Infantry. His regiment fought at several notable 1864 battles including Wilson's Wharf, Petersburg, and Bermuda Hundred.
Carter mustered out in 1866 and began his education at Hampton University while employed with the Freedman's Bureau in Chincoteague, Va. In 1871, Carter won election to the Virginia House of Delegates. He held office for eight consecutive years and was one of the longest serving African American legislators in postwar Virginia.
Carter also served as an officer in state conventions as a representative in national conventions. By 1883 he was appointed Rector of Virginia State University while maintaining his farm near Franktown. Carter died on July 19, 1886, and is buried in the family cemetery nearby.
He remains the only African American elected from the Eastern Shore to serve in the Virginia legislature.
"The colored delegate from NorthamptonCounty, arose, and urged on by the cries of "Hear him! hear him!" his voice in clarion peals rang through the hall...."
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- Richmond Dispatch, January 10, 1876
[Captions:]
A late 19th-century image of Delegate Peter Jacob Carter
Confederate soldiers damaged the 1859 Cherrystone Lighthouse but U.S. forces restored it in 1862. By 1919 it was replaced with an automated light.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Communications • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the Lighthouses, and the Virginia Civil War Trails series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 10, 1876.
Location. 37° 16.014′ N, 76° 1.388′ W. Marker is in Cape Charles, Virginia, in Northampton County. It is on Bay Avenue west of Harbor Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Bay Ave, Cape Charles VA 23310, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater (a few steps from this marker); Rails Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay (a few steps from this marker);
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cape Charles to Little Creek (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
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.
