john custis' tomb

This site is an important part of history but it is out of the way in a neighborhood. A couple of grave sites with some signage. It doesn't take long to visit and any real history person would enjoy the visit.

We drove by the roadside sign for this place at least a dozen times before we decided to check it out. While there is a decent amount of historic significance to this place as it relates to the Eastern Shore, it's not much to look at especially if you have kids. The remains of the building are gone and surrounded by interpretive signs that could use some sprucing up. The tomb itself is right next to a residence and you kind of feel like you're invading their backyard. Nonetheless, the drive out to the site is quite scenic and worth it if you have 1/2 hour to kill.

The site of Arlington Plantation is well worth visiting. It is one the Chesapeake Bay near the end of an obscure road. The graveyard is adjacent and is well preserved and cared for. I only wish the plantation house had survived.

There really isn't much here, but that is part of the charm. Nice view of the bay also awaits. A few descriptions of what you are seeing now at the house foundation. And of course the tombs. Now marked to make it hard to miss, and if you do, just turn around at the dead end and come back!

Before visiting these tombs, stop by the Cape Charles Museum in Cape Charles. They have an exhibit on the Arlington plantation that gives you the context you need for these tombs and the mansion site.Yes, you must have faith to find the tombs. Turn West on Virginia Route 644 from US 13. Just continue on the road, enjoying the fields and farmhouses. Look for a small sign on the right. Turn right into the grass parking area. It looks as if there is nothing there but a field. The field is the site of the Arlington mansion and the tombs are to the left behind a brick wall.Enjoy the old, old trees. Walk over to view the wonderful view of the bay.Not a long time to see it all, but an interesting bit of history none-the-less. After living in Virginia 45 years, we didn't know this story until we visited the tombs and the museum in Cape Charles.

This historical site is just a five minute ride from downtown Cape Charles. The historical plaques will give you an insight into a very powerful and prominent family that played an important role in both Virginia and US history. I certainly did not know that Martha Washington had been married to someone else before becoming our 1st First Lady! Nor did I imagine that the name of Arlington Cemetery came from the name of an old colonial plantation down on the eastern shore. What a beautiful place Arlington Plantation must have been.

I really enjoyed seeing John Custis' tomb and home site. Unfortunately there are no signs and it is so far back that you feel as if you are lost or driving into a place that you should not be. But if you stick to your guns and keeo driving down the road, you'll eventually come up to it :)