Posted in Virginia
February 23, 2017
The Temple In Virginia With A Fascinating History
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.
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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.
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.
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.
The large concrete Masonic symbol wasn't added to the display until 1999.
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!
