Portici Marker

HMdb.org

THE HISTORICAL
MARKER DATABASE “Bite-Size Bits of Local, National, and Global History”

Home — My Markers — Add A Marker — Marker Series — Links & Books — Forum — About Us

Word or Phrase

Add Photo — Add Link — Add Commentary — Correct this page — Print

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

Portici

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2012

1. Portici Marker

Inscription. On the ridge ahead of you stood "Portici," an important landmark of both battles of Manassas. In 1861, Frank Lewis resided here with his wife Fannie and two small children. Their middling plantation consisted of 769 acres. The family owned eleven slaves to work the property - cultivating grain, herding livestock, and performing domestic chores.

The arrival over war shattered Portici's peaceful existence. During the First Battle of Manassas, the home served as both a headquarters and a hospital. Thirteen months later, Union and Confederate cavalry clashed in the adjacent fields. Returning to utter devastation at war's end, the Lewis family began the arduous process of rebuilding their lives, a scene repeated countless times throughout the ravaged South.

A short walk leads to the site of Portici. Exhibits there discuss the property's role during the two battles. The trail to the left leads to the Ball family cemetery and Holkum's Branch.

Erected 2012 by Manassas National Battlefield Park - National Park Service - Department of the Interior.

Location. 38° 48.375′ N, 77° 30.504′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. Marker is on Vandor Lane, on the right when traveling north

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2012

2. Portici

Named for a small Italian village at the foot of Mt. Vesuvius known for its history of destructive fires, Portici ultimately succumbed to flames following Second Manassas.

. Click for map. 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. Confederate Headquarters (about 700 feet away, in a direct line); Cavalry Clash (about 700 feet away); Charge on Griffin’s Guns (approx. ¾ mile away); Point-Blank Volley (approx. 0.8 miles away); Campaign of Second Manassas (approx. 0.8 miles away); Second Battle of Manassas (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lieutenant William P. Mangum (approx. 0.8 miles away); Colonel Thomas (approx. 0.8 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Manassas.

By Craig Swain, September 1, 2012

3. Portici Marker

Credits. This page originally submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 93 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.