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The first point of interest sought by every stranger in Ottawa is the Parliament Buildings. In the year 1826 there stood on this site (then known as "Barrack's Hill") military barracks erected by Col. By for the use of the engineers engaged in constructing the Rideau Canal. When Ottawa was chosen the Capital of Canada the construction of the Parliament Buildings was commenced, and the corner-stone was laid Sept. 1st, 1860, by the Prince of Wales, afterwards King Edward VII. In 1865 the public departments were brought here from Quebec, and the last session of the Parliament of the old province of Canada was held here on June 1st, 1867, the buildings were taken over by the Federal Government.

The Gothic architecture, is well set off by the cream coloured sandstone, obtained from Nepean, near Ottawa, and its varied and beautiful colours are growing richer with time. The ornamental work is of Ohio sandstone, while the red arches are of Potsdam sandstone from St. Lawrence county in New York State. The building is 472 feet long, and covers an area of about 100,000 feet. The main entrance is through the central or Victoria tower, 180 feet in height. The piers which support the tower are ornamented with pillars of polished Arnprior marble. The carving over the main door demands special attention.