The Dabbs House Museum was "a modest home and farm of 65 acres, known as High Meadow, on the Nine Mile Road." This was the simple description of the eastern Henrico property inherited in 1859 by Josiah Dabbs, a leading home builder and architect. But there is nothing modest about the history that flowed from this house that acquired Dabbs' name. Events unfolded within these walls that affected the lives of thousands and the course of a nation.
The Civil War came to Dabbs House in June 1862. General Robert E. Lee, newly appointed commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, secured the home as a strategic location to base his staff and plan the defense of Richmond. On June 23, Lee summoned his top generals, James Longstreet, D. H. Hill, A. P. Hill and Stonewall Jackson, to a council of war at Dabbs House. This meeting secured Lee's reputation as a decisive strategist and commander. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia would seize momentum and take to the offensive. The Seven Days Battles planned at this house served as a platform for Lee's future successes.
In 1883, Henrico County purchased the property and used it as an almshouse for the County's destitute and sick for more than 40 years. In 1940, Henrico hired accomplished architect Edward F. Sinnott, designer of the nearby Henrico Theatre, to design the east and west wings. These additions provided office space for the departments of health and public welfare and the county probation office. In the summer of 1941, the eleven member Henrico Police force opened its headquarters here and remained until 2005.
In 2008, the house was reopened as a museum highlighting the home's role as the 1862 military headquarters of General Robert E. Lee.
Dabbs House Museum tours are by appointment only. Call: 804-652-1455 Email: DabbsHouse@Henrico.gov.
The Dabbs House is located at 3812 Nine Mile Road, Henrico, Virginia.
Take I-64 to exit #193B (Nine Mile Road). Head east 1/2 mile and turn left into the Henrico County Eastern Government Center complex.
The Dabbs House Museum is the white brick building in the center of the complex.
- (Historic Preservation and Museum Services of Henrico County Division of Recreation and Parks)
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