Richard Henry Carter (April 21, 1817 – April 17, 1880) was a Virginia planter and politician, and a Confederate officer during the American Civil War.

Born to planter Edward Carter (1788–1845) and his wife Frances Toy Carter (1798–1864) at Meadow Grove near Marshall in Fauquier County, Richard had several brothers and sisters.

He married Mary Welby DeButts (1819–1885) and they had eleven children, many of whom died in childhood.

Carter served as Fauquier County's delegate in the Virginia General Assembly from 1853 until 1856 (winning re-election once).

He served throughout the war, was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and mustered out at Appomattox Court House with the rank of Major.