Located just outside of Washington D.C. is one of the most unique and elaborate dedications in the country. This tribute to George Washington is a Masonic temple, in honor of the President’s identity as a Freemason. Built in the style of an Egyptian Lighthouse, this monument is riddled with fascinating architecture and an extensive history to match. Here’s more on the Masonic National Monument located in Alexandria.
Standing at exactly 333 feet, the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is located atop Shooter’s Hill.
Wikipedia The exact address of this landmark is 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301.
While this dedication is modeled after ancient Egyptian architecture, the building is less than 100 years old.
Wikipedia
Construction of this all-granite building began in 1922 and it took nearly fifty years to complete each of the nine floors.
Wikipedia Photographed above is the temple as it appeared in 1922. As you can tell, there has since been some architectural modification.
The idea for this temple dates back to 1852, although it took decades to raise money for such an elaborate project.
Norman Maddeaux/flickr In addition to building a Masonic temple to honor George Washington and American Freemasonry, fundraising aimed to construct a fire-proof place that could house some of Washington’s personal belongings.
The dedication of the temple occurred in 1932 and involved an elaborate Masonic ceremony.
Wikipedia Facets of the dedication included the pouring of oil, wine, and corn into a model of the structure. On that day, the U.S. House of Representatives shut down so that members could attend the ceremony. Above is a vision of the Grotto Room, located on the third floor.
Each floor has a designated purpose, and tours are available to the public on an hourly basis.
LR_PTY/flickr
Wikipedia The memorial is filled with symbolism of Freemasonry, most of which includes the tools of stonemasons. The first two floors hold meeting spaces and hallways, while the other floors are dedicated to George Washington and other Masonic attractions. On the ninth floor is located a replication of King Solomon’s throne room.
The memorial is also decorated with murals and paintings.
Wikipedia Above is a segment of one of the many murals in the memorial. This particular painting is located on the seventh floor.
One of the most noteworthy attractions is a the statue of George Washington in Masonic attire.
gabe gross/flickr
For visitors with limited time, touring the first two floors as well as the ground is free.
Wikipedia The large concrete Masonic symbol wasn’t added to the display until 1999.
Zach Stern/flickr In such close proximity to neighboring landmarks of Washington D.C., the Masonic Temple stands in dedication to a unique facet of American history.
To learn more about this National Historic Landmark, be sure to visit the official website. Have you visited the Masonic Temple in Alexandria? Feel free to share your experiences with us!
Wikipedia
The exact address of this landmark is 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301.
Photographed above is the temple as it appeared in 1922. As you can tell, there has since been some architectural modification.
Norman Maddeaux/flickr
In addition to building a Masonic temple to honor George Washington and American Freemasonry, fundraising aimed to construct a fire-proof place that could house some of Washington’s personal belongings.
Facets of the dedication included the pouring of oil, wine, and corn into a model of the structure. On that day, the U.S. House of Representatives shut down so that members could attend the ceremony. Above is a vision of the Grotto Room, located on the third floor.
LR_PTY/flickr
The memorial is filled with symbolism of Freemasonry, most of which includes the tools of stonemasons. The first two floors hold meeting spaces and hallways, while the other floors are dedicated to George Washington and other Masonic attractions. On the ninth floor is located a replication of King Solomon’s throne room.
Above is a segment of one of the many murals in the memorial. This particular painting is located on the seventh floor.
gabe gross/flickr
The large concrete Masonic symbol wasn’t added to the display until 1999.
Zach Stern/flickr
In such close proximity to neighboring landmarks of Washington D.C., the Masonic Temple stands in dedication to a unique facet of American history.
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