Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 96, July 2012

Fitz-John Porter Monument

Haven Park, Pleasant St, Portsmouth

The man on the horse in Haven Park was a complex character. A Civil War general, Porter (1822–1901) was born in Portsmouth and taught at West Point. Although distinguished in battle, Porter was accused of disobedience that reportedly led to a Union defeat at the Second Cattle of Manassas. At his court martial, Porter placed the blame back on his accuser and superior officer Gen. John Pope. Porter fought tirelessly to regain his reputation and was eventually vindicated in 1879. Porter was reinstated in 1886. The equestrian statue here was built by a friend of Porter’s to commemorate his reinstatement to service. It details his military career, including a daring spy mission in which Porter used a hot air balloon to fly over enemy lines. The bronze statue of Porter, who once lived nearby, seemed the appropriate monument. A local legends says that the equestrian statue was originally to appear in Haymarket Square, but the rear end of the horse facing the local church was unacceptable to parishioners.

Photo 94, april 2012

Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 103, May 2003

Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 99, May 2003

Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 100, May 2003

Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 101, May 2003

Fitz-John Porter Monument in Haven Park off Pleasant St

Photo 104, May 2003