Marion in Smyth County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Col. William Elisha Peters
Confederate Veteran and College Professor
On April 17, 1861, he enlisted as a private in the Smyth Dragoons (Co. A, 8th Virginia Cavalry) and was immediately elected lieutenant. He and his regiment joined Gen. John B. Floyd's brigade. He later became an infantry captain, was promoted to lieutenant colonel of the 45th Virginia Infantry, then became colonel of the 21st Virginia Cavalry. He fought in southwest Virginia, Georgia, and finally with the Army of Northern Virginia in its campaigns. During Gen. Jubal A. Early's raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania in the summer of 1864, his regiment was ordered to burn Chambersburg after the citizens failed to pay a ransom levied in retaliation for the burning of three Virginia houses by Federal troops. Peters refused to carry out his orders, however, because the town was filled with noncombatants. He was arrested but soon released.
During the war, he was wounded three times. While convalescing at home in 1863, he was elected to the Senate of Virginia but soon resigned to return to the army. He surrendered with his command at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. After the war, he taught Latin at the University of Virginia until 1900. He died on March 22, 1906. A new dormitory at the university, completed and occupied in 1929, was named for him.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 36° 50.134′ N, 81° 30.849′ W. Marker was in Marion, Virginia, in Smyth County. Marker was on East Main Street east of Cedar STreet, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Marion VA 24354, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Governor David Campbell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Annabel Morris Buchanan (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marion & Rye Valley Railroad (approx. ¼ mile away); Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets (approx. ¼ mile away); R.T. Greer & Company (approx. ¼ mile away); Hungry Mother State Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Marion College (approx. ¼ mile away); Home of Mountain Dew (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marion.
More about this marker. This sign has been removed from the Civil War Trails program.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,397 times since then and 66 times this year. Last updated on December 2, 2022, by Drew A Gruber of N/a, N/a. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 23, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.