The Sgt. Miles James marker was erected in the shrubbery at the nearest spot to Princess Anne Road, a short distance from its intersection with North Landing Road. It's not an easy marker to get close to, or even read. One has to pull in at the adjacent parking lot to get a good look. The State Highway Marker was erected and dedicated in late 2019 by the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Commission.
Miles James enlisted on October 28, 1863 in Portsmouth, VA with the rank of Corporal in the 36th Regiment Company B of the United States Colored Infantry. James's regiment saw heavy action at the Virginia Battle of New Market Heights, one of the outer defenses of Richmond. They fought against the Texas Brigade of Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. During the fighting Corporal James's arm was mangled and had to be field amputated. Regardless of his injury he continued to lead his men. James was promoted to 1st Sergeant and earned the Medal of Honor for his actions in the battle. In addition the Army created a special unofficial medal as a tribute to the gallantry of the African American soldiers who fought with the Union Army in the Battle of New Market Heights.
James was born into slavery in Princess Anne County. Following the war he returned to live in Norfolk. The 1870 Norfolk Census shows him living in Ward 3 with his wife Sarah and three children. He was 43 years old and working as a shoemaker. Sadly he died August 28, 1871 of complications from his injury and is buried in the Sgt. March Corprew Family Cemetery. The Cemetery, located in what is now Chesapeake, VA, serves as a memorial for Unknown & Known Afro-Union Civil War Veterans., read more