Three Gothic-style parliament buildings dominate the northern side of Confederation Square, a triangular-shaped "island." In the middle of the square stands the towering granite archway of the National War Memorial, which was dedicated in 1939 by King George VI. Neighboring "the Hill," as it is familiarly known, is Château Laurier, a distinguished hotel recognizable by its turrets and steeply pitched copper roofs. The government conference centre stands opposite. Bordering the southern tip of Confederation Square is the National Arts Centre. The Hill was purchased in 1859 from the British military, which used it for barracks during the building of the canal. Construction began immediately on the parliament buildings.