Peter Jacob Carter’s Story is the First Civil War Trails Site on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Cape Charles is the first site on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to join the multi-state Civil War Trails program and their sign helps tell the inspiring story of Peter Jacob Carter, whose life is one made for the movies. Rising from the aftermath of the Civil War, Peter not only served in the United States armed forces during the Civil War but became a Federally appointed lighthouse keeper directly across from the new sign, which is located at 21 Bay Ave., in downtown Cape Charles.
The Town of Cape Charles, Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, Civil War Trails, Inc., and the Virginia Tourism Corporation partnered with a dozen local stakeholders to develop the story, checking the facts behind Carter’s life. The most important person involved in that effort was Dr. Arthur Carter, a direct descendant of Peter. Since Athur’s passing in 2023 the family, the US Lighthouse Association members, the Cape Charles Museum staff, and over a dozen other local and nationally renowned historians contributed to the project.
However, the initial funding to create the new Civil War Trails site wasn’t available until the American Civil War Round Table of the United Kingdom stepped up. The group based in London was not only excited about this Carters story but to assist in adding it to the Civil War Trails program which offers over 1,500 sites across six states. Although expansive, the program did not offer any site for travelers on Virginia’s Eastern Shore previously.
“The culture and history of the Eastern Shore of Virginia are very important facets of the communities here,” said Robert Sabbatini, who is the Executive Director of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission. He continued, “The ESVA Tourism Commission is proud to recognize the first Civil War Trails site on the Eastern Shore and give another option to visitors looking to learn more about the Shore’s rich history.”
The partners are expected to gather with elected officials and the Carter family on Thursday, April 10th at 12:00 noon to officially unveil the sign. In the interim, the Virginia Tourism Corporation will be lifting up the story through the printing and distribution of the popular Civil War Trails map-guides which now feature Cape Charles. “This new Civil War Trails site in Cape Charles offers travelers an opportunity to stand in the footsteps of a warrior,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “Men like him did not sit idly by as the war progressed and this new sign commemorates those who fearlessly fought for emancipation and equality.”
The public is welcome to the ceremony. The address for the Ribbon Ceremony is 4 Bay Ave, Cape Charles, Virginia 23310. For more information about the event please call the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission at 757-787-8268 or email Robert Sabbatini at executivedirector@esvatourism.org. For more information about Civil War Trails or Peter Jacob Carter please call Civil War Trails at 757-378-5462 or visit www.civilwartrails.org to connect with their staff.
