Near Manassas in Prince William County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Portici
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2012
1. Portici Marker
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.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Manassas VA 20109, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 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.
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.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 1, 2012
3. Portici Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 906 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 2, 2012, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
