Still visible are the capped foundations of five structures which were built together much like a nineteenth-century rowhouse. They were probably built between 1662 and 1665. On the far left, along the river bank, was a private dwelling known as "the Country House." Next to it were three separate houses or apartments, belonging to Phillip Ludwell. On the right was the third Statehouse. The entire structure was originally about 240 feet long and varied from 20 to 42 feet in width.

The building was two stories tall, roofed with tiles, and had leaded glass windows. The Statehouse probably had a tile floor; the Ludwell houses had wooden flooring. The General Assembly met in a room on the second floor of the Statehouse which probably extended the full length of 74 feet. The Council met in the first floor room on the right (at the end of the building), as did the General Court and the James City County Court.

The structure was gutted on September 19, 1676 when Nathaniel Bacon's followers burned Jamestown. It was rebuilt on the same foundations and was in use by 1685. It burned again on October 30, 1698. Six months later the Assembly voted not to rebuild the Statehouse but to move the capital from Jamestown to Williamsburg.