Originally completed in 1705, the colony's capitol ws destroyed by fire in 1747, rebuilt in 1753 and destroyed again in 1832. The current reconstruction faithfully depicts the first building in its layout and distinctive rounde walls. The two-story structure's H shape symbolizes the bicameral system of British colonial government, with the elected burgesses housed on the sparely decorated east side of the building and the royal governor and his council of 13 appointed men on the lavishly decorated west side. Most famous of the re-created capitol chambers is the Hall of the House of Burgesses, scene of inflammatory speeches by patriotic firebrand Patrick Henry.