The First US Building Elevator To Ascend At An Angle - George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria,VA

In 1909, Charles H. Callahan purchased several lots on Shooters Hill and donated the land for a new fireproof Lodge Hall. In 1910, twenty-six Lodge representatives gathered to discuss plans to build a suitable memorial temple to George Washington, the Mason. Ten years after the official meeting took place, the plans to build the memorial “lighthouse” were approved. The site was selected because it followed the ancient tradition for the location of temples on hilltops or mountains and the Alexandria area was very familiar to George Washington.

New York City architect Harvey Wiley Corbett, who later became famous for designing much of Rockefeller Center, was enlisted to create plans for the memorial and the groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 5, 1922. The project continued through the Great Depression, but the work on the interior of memorial only began after World War II. In 1947, the Otis Elevator Company specially-designed elevators which would move horizontally as they move vertically. They were designed to fit into existing stairwells. By 1970, the memorial was complete and in 1999, the large Square and Compasses emblem was added to the front lawn, a visible sign to the Masonic nature of the Memorial.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

The National Memorial is a Masonic building and memorial is dedicated to the memory of George Washington.

One of three murals in Memorial Hall painted by Allyn Cox in the 1950s.

This chair was made for George Washington when he presided over Masonic meetings.

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The 333-foot tower atop Shooter’s Hill is fashioned after the ancient Lighthouse of Ostia in Rome).

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Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 opened a replica Lodge room to display original Washington artifacts. In 1950, President Harry S. Truman, who was also a past Grand Master of Missouri, dedicated the massive 17-foot bronze statue of George Washington that greets people when they enter the Memorial.

After World War II, Freemasons poured their energy into the building's interior, and educating the public on Freemasonry and the life of brother George Washington.

Building progress photographs and other buildings memorabilia on display.

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A vintage beer can found at the site, possibly from one of the construction crew?

The view down King Street from the observation deck of the memorial.

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This room is the original Alexandria-Washington Lodge Replica Room

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A repository of many artifacts and the history of American Freemasons, the Memorial remains a lasting monument to George Washington, the Man, the Mason, and Father of our Country.

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Some of the Mason attire on display.

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Freemasonry played a role in George Washington's life from the age of 20 when he first became an Entered Apprentice in the Fredericksburg Lodge until the day he died.

By 1970, the Memorial was for practical purposes completed. But like any successful museum, the Memorial continues to change and grow as old displays give way to give new ones.

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A handsome and informative museum devoted to the life of George Washington was opened on the fourth floor in 1966.

What you should know:

• The entrance to the building is on the same side as the parking lot, even though there are confusing signs posted on and near the side door.

• Admission can be purchased on-site.

• There are walking trails on the property.

• Restrooms are available.

• Tours of the building are guided and require and elevator ride.

• You get a wonderful view of the city from the observation deck at the top go the building.

• You could spend up to a couple of hours exploring here.

Location: 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria, VA 22301

For more information: George Washington Masonic National Memorial

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