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

Portici

— Manassas National Battlefield Park —

Photographed 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 of 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 National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 38° 48.375′ N,

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77° 30.504′ W. Marker is near Manassas, Virginia, in Prince William County. It is on Vandor Lane, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Confederate Headquarters (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cavalry Clash (about 700 feet away); The Arrival of Jefferson Davis (approx. 0.3 miles away); Turning the Tide (approx. ¾ mile away); Charge on Griffin’s Guns (approx. ¾ mile

Photographed 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.

away); Second Battle of Manassas (approx. 0.8 miles away); Point Blank Volley (approx. 0.8 miles away); Point-Blank Volley (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manassas.

Other markers no longer nearby. Confederate Headquarters (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Cavalry Clash (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by Craig Swain, September 1, 2012

3. Portici Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,950 times since then and 84 times this year. Last updated on February 22, 2024, by Devon Polzar of Port Washington, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.