Dabbs House Museum

 

Dabbs House Programs

Richmond’s Homefront: Dinner With Jefferson Davis - SOLD OUT
For ages 12+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Come eat a historically authentic dinner set in 1863 Richmond while listening to period music. Special guest of the night will feature Jefferson Davis portrayed by notable Davis interpreter Bill McGourty who will share with you the current state of wartime Richmond. Dinner is a partner program with the Henrico Historical Society. Information: 652-3409.

Fri, May 24, 6-8 p.m.
Walkerton Tavern. $20.

Richmond’s Homefront: Confederate Cemeteries of Richmond
For ages 12+. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Nearly 2% of the United States population, over 600,000 soldiers died during the Civil War. In addition, an unknown number of civilians died due to war-related causes. Come learn what happened to the southern dead as we visit many of the final resting places for these Confederate soldiers and civilians. The tour will visit Oakwood Cemetery, Shockoe Hill Cemetery, and Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Register at www.henricohistoricalsociety.org and look under the “shopping” tab. Information: 652-3409.

Sat, May 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Departs from Dabbs House Museum. $20.

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.