Samuel "Powhatan" Carter was born on June 8, 1819 in Elizabethton, Tennessee. He was the son of Evalina Belmont Perry and Alfred Moore Carter, and had two brothers, William Blount Carter and James Patton Taylor Carter. Growing up in Tennessee, Carter attended Washington College and Princeton University before pursuing a career in the military.
After his studies, Carter enrolled in the United States Naval Academy and later fought in the Mexican-American War. During the early 1850s, he also taught mathematics at the Naval Academy. His military knowledge and experience led him to participate in military operations in Brazil and China in the years leading up to the American Civil War.
When the Civil War broke out, Samuel "Powhatan" Carter joined the Union Army and served as a Brevet Major General. His nickname, "Powhatan," was a code name he used to rally Union sympathizers in the Confederate-dominated South. Alongside fellow Navy officer David Farragut, Carter fought on the side of the Union during the war.
After the war, Carter transitioned to the United States Navy and held the rank of Rear Admiral. He continued to serve his country in the postbellum period, making significant contributions to the Navy. Throughout his military career, Carter was known for his leadership and strategic skills.
For the last fifteen years of his life, Samuel P. Carter was married to Martha Custis Williams. He lived a fulfilling life, balancing his military career with his personal relationships and commitments.
Samuel "Powhatan" Carter is remembered as a war hero who served his country with honor and distinction. His contributions to both the Union Army and the United States Navy solidified his place in American history. His legacy lives on through his descendants and the stories of his bravery and leadership.