How to Visit the George Washington Masonic Temple in Alexandria, VA
Standing nine floors high, the George Washington Masonic Memorial is the most recognizable landmark in the northern Virginia skyline. The Washington, D.C., suburb of Alexandria is a fitting place to honor the first president and Virginia’s native son. Many of his early travels out to Mount Vernon consisted of stopping and dining in Old Town, where his favorite tavern still serves authentic food and brew. George Washington was a proud mason, and the building honors the history of this craft, with the masonic insignia prevalent everywhere.
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Instructions
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Make hotel reservations within the Alexandria area. Note that the closest airport is Reagan National, just north of Alexandria. Neighboring Crystal City provides ample hotel possibilities. Crystal City, Reagan National and George Washington Masonic Memorial are all connected by the Washington Metro Yellow Line.
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Get a map of Virginia. Though Alexandria and Arlington are considered within the District’s "square," most D.C. maps only provide information north of the Potomac. The Memorial is just north of the Capital Beltway (I-495) and west of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, which crosses into Maryland.
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Arrive at the memorial and note that the architecture of this Alexandria, Virginia landmark is inspired by the ancient lighthouse in Alexandria, Egypt.
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Take the free tour. The tour covers five floors, including the observation deck. The first floor is in grand Greek design. Columns, murals and statues define well-polished marble floors.
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Stop at the fourth floor and see Washington connection to freemasonry. From the design of the C&O Canal, to Philadelphia and Washington as national capitals, the masons played a dominant role in this country’s construction.
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Visit the eighth floor and see the Knights Templar Chapel. Here the design invokes European influence. The well-lighted room includes stained glass windows and displays of armory.
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Stop at the ninth floor before visiting the observation deck. The Tall Cedars Room suggests ritual and mystery; a secret brotherhood society where offerings and sacrifices were made.
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Exit out of the building to the Observation Deck. There are great views of the National Mall to the north and the Potomac and Chesapeake to the east. Urban sprawl covers the south and west.
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Return to the main floor and inquire about the charities and organizations masons contribute to. Note the influence Shriners have had in the health of children worldwide.
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Stop at the gift shop and purchase a book about the freemasons or about George Washington as a freemason. Reading these will reduce misconceptions about the order and the lodge.
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Resources
- Photo Credit James Barnett
