Dabbs House Museum

 

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.

Henrico County Tourist Information Center

The new Henrico County Tourist Information Center opened its doors on September 17, 2010in the restored Dabbs House Museum. Conveniently located just off Interstate 64, the Center will offer travelers information about the County's historical and cultural opportunities. As one of 61 certified visitor centers statewide, it will offer maps and guides from the Virginia travel industry as well as brochures from the other 60 centers across the state.

In addition to the Dabbs House history video regularly shown, the center will be able to broadcast other Henrico-produced history videos on demand. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henrico County, visitors can view a timeline of County events from 1611 to the present. In addition, visitors will be able to tour the Dabbs House, the first field headquarters used by Robert E. Lee after he assumed command of the Army of Northern Virginia in June 1862.

Located at 3812 Nine Mile Road, the Henrico County Tourist Information Center will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Tours of the historic Dabbs House will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Tours on Mondays and Tuesdays are available by appointment only. For more information, call 652-3406. 

Dabbs House Programs

Life at Lee’s Headquarters
For all ages. For 62 days in 1862, the Dabbs House was transformed into a Civil War headquarters when General Robert E. Lee and his staff of seven arrived. Learn about daily life at the headquarters and Henrico’s role in Civil War history. Children’s activities, interpretive panels, and tours will be offered. Information: 652-3411.

Sat, Jan 28, 1-3 p.m.
Dabbs House Museum. Free.

A Hidden History: African-Americans at Dabbs
For all ages. Journey back in time to learn about the role of African-Americans in the history of the Dabbs House Museum. Explore the lives of enslaved blacks before and during the Civil War, such as the contributions of the United States Colored Troops on Henrico soil to the Union war effort. Also discover the Reconstruction era struggle of African-Americans and Henrico County’s attempts to assist them. Information: 652-3409.

Sat, Feb 18, 1-3 p.m.
Dabbs House Museum. Free.

A Fallen Star: General John B. Magruder
For ages 18+. Learn about Confederate General John B. Magruder’s tarnished career on the 150th anniversary of the events that made him famous. Decades of scholarship have ruined the military legacy of “Prince” John Magruder. Learn how new scholarship and newly found documents (one of which is housed at the Dabbs House Museum) shed a different light on the general. Information: 652-3411.

Sat, Mar 10, 1-2 p.m.
Dabbs House Museum. Free.

National Pet Month - Animals in the Civil War
For all ages. Explore the important role of animals in the Civil War. Listen to stories and see wonderful photographs of the animals that joined soldiers and those who stayed behind at home. Some may just surprise you! Information: 652-3409.

Sat, Apr 7, 2-3 p.m.
Dabbs House Museum. Free.

Civil War Living History Day
For all ages. Explore the life of men, women, and children during the Civil War in camp, on the battlefield, and at home. Information: 652-3409.

Sat, Apr 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Dabbs House Museum. Free.