George Washington Masonic Memorial

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Parks

Virginia

Nearby: African American Heritage Park Farrington Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a towering tribute to the first President of the United States and a proud symbol of the Freemasons.

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Summary

Located in Alexandria, Virginia, the Memorial is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history, architecture, and fraternal organizations.

The Memorial's centerpiece is a 333-foot tower that provides amazing views of the surrounding area and serves as a beacon of the Masonic ideals of brotherhood, charity, and truth. Visitors can explore the nine floors of the Memorial, which are filled with exhibits and artifacts that showcase the lives and legacies of George Washington and the Freemasons.

Some of the specific points of interest to see at the Memorial include the bronze statue of George Washington in full Masonic regalia, the beautiful stained glass windows that depict the principles of the Masonic order, and the massive pipe organ that fills the Memorial's auditorium with music.

Interesting facts about the Memorial include that it was designed by architect Harvey Wiley Corbett, who also designed New York City's Radio City Music Hall, and that the Memorial's cornerstone was laid by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932.

The best time of year to visit the George Washington Masonic Memorial is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the Memorial is open year-round and offers tours and special programs throughout the year.

Overall, the George Washington Masonic Memorial is a fascinating and inspiring destination that offers a unique glimpse into the history and values of the Freemasons and their most famous member, George Washington.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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