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Dabbs House Museum
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Dabbs House Museum
3812 Nine Mile Road
(804) 652-3406
Dabbs House is a historic house museum with exhibit galleries and a research library. The Dabbs House served as General Robert E. Lee’s field headquarters during the summer of 1862. The public will have an opportunity to learn about the history of the Dabbs House from its use as a residence for Dabbs family to its tenure as Henrico’s police headquarters from 1941-2005.
Ttours through the 1862 field headquarters and browse the exhibit galleries, gift shop, and view a video on the history of Dabbs. The research library will be open by appointment and primarily house the research from the two-volume series Field of Honor: The Civil War in Henrico County, by Louis H. Manarin.
Dabbs House History
The Dabbs House was home to the Henrico County police force for more than fifty years although the actual history of the property and its residents goes back much further. The original two-room dwelling was built around 1820 and was known as High Meadow.
In 1859, Josiah Dabbs moved to High Meadow with his wife Mary Catherine. Josiah Dabbs succumbed to an illness and died at his home on Nine Mile Road on January 19, 1862. Recognizing that her home was in the direct path of the invading Federal Army, Mary Catherine Dabbs moved to another residence in the city of Richmond.
General Lee and his staff received permission from Mrs. Dabbs to use her vacant home at High Meadow as his new field headquarters. On June 23, 1862, Lee and his generals conferred at Dabbs House, and plans for the protection of Richmond were crafted. General Lee’s strategy for defending the Confederate capital resulted in the Seven Days Battle.
In 1883 the County purchased the property to use as an Almshouse for the poor. By 1924, Dabbs no longer served as the County Almshouse and was used as rental property for a number of years.
By 1940, the County reclaimed the home for office space. Architect Edward F. Sinnott, who also designed the nearby Henrico Theatre, was hired to remodel the building. Staff for the departments of Health and Welfare made their home at Dabbs as well as the County probation office and the WPA sewing project. In 1941, Henrico’s Police Division moved into the Dabbs house. In 1964, the County constructed the Emergency Operating Center, an underground shelter and command center, at Dabbs. In 2005, the County Police Headquarters relocated and the property was turned over to the Division of Recreation and Parks.
Fall & Winter 2010-11 Programs
Family Fun on Marion Hill
For all ages. It's a fun-filled evening at the Clarke-Palmore House Museum! We'll have lawn games, activities, and house tours. Bring a picnic, join in the festivities, and stay for the 8 p.m. showing of the classic 1937 animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, part of the "Under the Stars Family Film Series." Information: Sheryl Mays, 652-3409.
Sat, Sept 11, 6-8 p.m.
Clarke-Palmore House Museum. Free.
Ready To Do My Part, Henrico County in World War I
For all ages. The titanic struggle of the First World War is a nearly forgotten conflict, yet this vast struggle left its mark on Henrico County and the surrounding area. In this new exhibit, learn about Henrico native Sheppard Crump and other doughboys and the remarkable tales of those left behind on the homefront. Information: Sheryl Mays, 652-3409.
Thur, Sept 16, 5-7 p.m.
Meadow Farm Orientation Center. Free.
New Market Heights Battlefield Tour
For ages 8 and older. Experience a rare opportunity to tour the hallowed ground where 14 African-American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor for Service on September 29, 1864. Walking tours will depart from the Fort Harrison Visitor Center and will last approximately one hour. Comfortable walking shoes and insect repellant are recommended. Information: Jimmy Price, 652-3411.
Sat, Sept 25, noon & 2 p.m.
Fort Harrison Visitor Center. Free.