This site is incredible for anyone interested in Freemasonry. Much of DC was laid out to Masonic principles. George Washington was even present to lay down cornerstones in Masonic ceremonies at odd hours of the morning. Here is some of what's going on at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.  

 

 

                                     

The structure itself is 333 feet high. A lot of numerology went into this building. You can see on the lawn in front of it is the compass, square, and G (Geometry). Some of Freemasonry has its rituals based in the mysticisms of the ancients. This structure is supposed to echo the lighthouse of Alexandria (the other Alexandria in Egypt.) The elevators are even mysterious, as they are angled at a degree so they become closer together the higher one moves up the structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Much of Washignton DC was laid out by Freemasons, like surveyor Andrew Ellicott. Washington himself would be present for corner stone laying at the major buildings. Above is a painting of one ceremony at the Capitol building. Writer David Ovason talks about this at length in his book Secret Architecture of Washington DC. He contends that the Capitol was laid out to Masonic symbols, and astrologically centered around the Zodiac sign Virgo. To the right is the Watson-Cassoul Apron that was presented to Washington. You can see his masonic apron in the painting.

 

Such cornerstones were present at the Executive Mansion (or Palace / White House). When Harry Truman was president, there was a major renovation. He noticed a lot of stones with Masonic marks on them from Scotland. The stones above were sent out to lodges around the country. Eventually, they were sent back to this memorial, that also functions as a lodge.

Roll Calls from the 1700s, when Masonry was at its peak.

 

Some more artifacts. On the right is a tool helped to lay a cornerstone at the Capitol.

Masonry is not as secret as you might think. This lodge allows visitors to look inside. If you know the symbols and rituals, you can see how this brotherhood acts as a religious center for the Master Masons.

Some interesting artifacts on display as well. Here are the handcuffs of John Brown of Harpers Ferry.

 

Besides Freemasonry, there are a lot of artifacts about George Washington, himself. There is even the pocket-watch of his doctor on the day of his death in 1799. And of course, there is the large bronze statue pictured to the left. This is viewed upon entering the main entrance at the top of the stairs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see the DC Washington Monument from the Alexandria Masonic Memorial.