The Capitol building of today is not the original building constructed by Stephen Button in 1847. Tragically, the structure burned after standing for only 2 years. Reconstructed in 1850 in Greek Revival style, it still stands today as the center section of the present Capitol building. Visitors can still view the original governor's suite, house chamber, and senate chamber, restored to authentically replicate the original construction's look. Wings were added in the late 1800's and early 1900's which give the Capitol it's now familiar look. The house chamber was the site of the Alabama Legislature's decision to secede from the Union. Confederate President Jefferson Davis was inaugurated on the grand front porch in February of 1861. A bronze star marks the location where he pledged to lead the fledgling nation.