Anyone who has sat on the left side of an airplane on final approach from the south into Washington DC’s Reagan National airport has seen a tower just beyond Old Town Alexandria and probably wondered, what is that? That is the George Washington Masonic Memorial, the other Washington monument in this area. As much an edifice to honor Freemasonry as the nation’s first President, the Memorial is an imposing structure set on hill about a mile and a half from the Potomac River and the heart of Old Town.
Since I’ve seen the Memorial many times from the plane, a visit has been on my list of things to do. Climbing the hill on my bicycle was a challenge, but I was rewarded with a beautiful view of Alexandria and the Potomac River beyond. The hillside below the structure contains a well cared for garden with a massive rock and gravel Masonic symbol at the center. Entry into the Memorial is free; at least the first two floors, and inside a large bronze statue of George eyes you from the end of a large hall flanked by 40 ft. tall columns. The sculpture depicts George wearing his Masonic apron and medallion. Murals depicting Washington at prominent events cover the walls on either side of the hall. The floor below contains a number of rooms with exhibits of Masonic history such as stones from the White House, tools of masons, and tributes to famous members of the brotherhood such as Benjamin Franklin, Andrew Jackson, and Harry Truman. One room contains photos of officers of the Alexandria Lodge, dating from the present all the way back to George Washington.
The Memorial is worth a visit; it will take no more than an hour, and is very close to the King St. Metro station. If you are in good walking shape, the trek down King St to the Potomac River will offer you an abundance of pubs, open air restaurants, and shops lining the most prominent cobblestone street of Old Town Alexandria.
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