[1] Although one of the most popular patriotic writers and pamphleters of pre-Revolutionary and Revolutionary-era Virginia, he may today be perhaps best known for his journal, which described colonial life leading up the American War of Independence, The Diary of Colonel Landon Carter.

"King" Carter died in 1732, and upon reaching legal age, Landon inherited a portion of his father's estate.

She died in 1740, but gave birth to Robert Wormeley Carter, who had at times a rocky relationship with his father, but ultimately followed a similar career path.

Following two unsuccessful attempts to become one of Richmond County's two (part-time) representatives in the House of Burgesses, Carter succeeded in 1752, then kept winning re-election from 1752 until defeated in 1768.

[7][8] In 1764, his brother Charles Carter of Cleve, who represented King George County (where he too ran plantations, and produced wine as well as tobacco), had died.

Following the death of his third wife and increased British taxation after French and Indian War, Carter became a prolific pamphleteer.

According to the inventories made of his estate, he owned more than 400 slaves in eight Virginia counties, making him one of the dozen wealthiest men in the Commonwealth.