Near Richmond in Henrico County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dabbs House
Lee’s First Headquarters
— 1862 Peninsula Campaign —
In May 1862, Gen. George McClellan’s Union army was poised on the outskirts of Richmond threatening the Confederate capital. Here, in the Dabbs House, Robert E. Lee, as new commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, opened his headquarters on June 1, 1862. Four days later, he had shaped the strategy that would free Richmond from the Army of the Potomac.
Two notable conferences occurred here. The first, on June 11, brought cavalryman Gen. J.E.B. Stuart to plan with Lee the famous ride around the Union Army. That feat, which covered 100 miles in 72 hours, electrified stagnant morale among citizens and soldiers alike and was the first flash in Stuart’s meteoric career.
Almost two weeks later, on June 23, Lee assembled his top subordinates for the first time. Using information gathered from Stuart’s ride, he unveiled his plan to drive the Northern army away from Richmond. This event, often called “The Dabbs House Meeting,” was the first step in the series of battles known as the Seven Days that introduced Lee to the world as a talented general.
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Dabbs House
Known as High Meadow prior o the Civil War, the two-story brick structure was the home of Josiah and Mary Dabbs when the war broke out. Upon the death of Josiah in January 1862, Mary moved into Richmond, leaving the house unoccupied when Lee made it his headquarters. An extension on the west and two one-and-a-half story wings were added in the early 1900s.
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Robert E. Lee was new to the Army of Northern Virginia, but he recognized his most able generals from the start. These five men shaped a new course for the war when they gathered at the Dabbs House on June 23 (left to right): A.P. Hill; D.H. Hill; Robert E. Lee; James Longstreet; and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson."
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 37° 32.594′ N, 77° 22.986′ W. Marker was near Richmond, Virginia, in Henrico County. Marker could be reached from Nine Mile Road (State Highway 33) 0.1 miles west of Dabbs House Road, on the left when traveling east. The marker is located in front of the Dabbs House Museum in the Henrico County Eastern Government Center. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 3812 Nine Mile Road, Richmond VA 23223, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Dabb House (here, next to this marker); World War II Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Dabbs House (a few steps from this marker); Nine Mile Road (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Burying Ground – For Colored Paupers (approx. 0.6 miles away); Oakwood Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Oakwood Cemetery Confederate Section (approx. one mile away); Evergreen Cemetery (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location also titled "Dabbs House".
Also see . . .
1. Dabbs House Museum. Henrico County Recreation & Parks (Submitted on February 7, 2009.)
2. Civil War Traveler. Henrico County (Submitted on February 12, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,686 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 11, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 7, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.