Confederate Headquarters Marker

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Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Confederate Headquarters
Portici
— First Battle of Manassas —

Confederate Headquarters Marker Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

1. Confederate Headquarters Marker

Inscription. Fought in civilian's fields and front yards, the battle had a terrible intimacy. At this site stood the Lewis home, "Portici" (Por-TEE-cee) - a large plantation. Most Confederate regiments passed through the Lewis property during the twelve hours of First Manassas.

Portici made an idea headquarters for Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston. From here he had a bird's-eye view of the main roads and neighboring fields, and could shuttle reinforcements to any part of the line. After the battle Confederates used the house as a hospital.

Location. 38° 48.446′ N, 77° 30.383′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker can be reached from Vandor Lane, on the right when traveling east. Click for map. Located on a park access road to the north (a left turn) off Vandor Lane. It is also north of Interstate 66. The location is stop ten of the driving tour of Manassas Battlefield. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cavalry Clash (a few steps from this marker); Charge on Griffin’s Guns (approx. 0.8 miles away); Point-Blank Volley (approx. 0.8 miles away); Washington (Louisiana) Artillery Battalion (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lieutenant William P. Mangum (approx. 0.8 miles away); "...Like a Stone Wall" (approx. 0.8 miles away); Colonel Thomas (approx. 0.9 miles away); Historic Farm Road Trace (approx. 0.9 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Manassas.

By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

2. Area Map

The map details a mix of modern roads and wartime roads. Segments of the Old Washington Road have vanished with time. And the trails to Balls and Lewis Fords do not cross the Bull Run today.

More about this marker. In the upper right is a photo of Portici captioned, Little evidence remains of the Lewis plantation beyond building foundations. Fire destroyed the house after the Second Battle of Manassas. On the left is a portrait of General Johnston.

On the lower right is a map showing the present day roads and trails, To follow the action of First Manassas, in the footsteps of charging infantry, walk the self-guiding trail on Henry Hill. Second Manassas lasted three days, covered more ground, and was far bloodier than the First. Stop at the Visitor Center for information on the Second Manassas Auto Tour.

Also see . . . Portici and the Cemetery. A short but rather detailed discussion of the plantation and cemetery. The story of the burning of Portici is worthy of note. (Submitted on July 31, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Tour Stop Ten Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

3. Tour Stop Ten

On the left is the Confederate Headquarters marker. To the right is Cavalry Clash.

Site of Portici Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, July 12, 2008

4. Site of Portici

Looking from the parking area to the east. The marker location is on the other side of the tree line. Portici stood on the high ground in this vicinity. A lane branching off from the Old Washington Road intersected another lane to Lewis Ford near the house. The structures in the distant left are modern.