In this episode of View Master Travels, I take you on a journey through Washington D.C., exploring its rich history and uncovering hidden Masonic symbols. I start with the fascinating story of how Washington D.C. was chosen as the nation’s capital in 1783, after protests by unpaid Revolutionary War soldiers. George Washington, with the help of astronomer Benjamin Banneker, used the stars-specifically the moons of Jupiter-to map the exact borders of the new federal district. This unique astronomical approach adds a surprising twist to the city’s creation, setting the stage for the deeper symbolism within its design.
Next, I dive into the architectural planning of the city, led by Pierre Charles L’Enfant. L’Enfant’s vision was filled with geometric precision, rooted in Masonic symbolism, particularly the right triangle formed by the locations of the Capitol, White House, and a proposed monument to George Washington. His designs were ambitious, but he was fired after tearing down his boss’s house without permission! Despite that, his plan remained the foundation for D.C.’s layout, showcasing the influence of Freemasonry in the city’s design and structure.
I also explore the history of the Washington Monument, which faced delays due to political tensions and an anti-Catholic group called the Know-Nothings, who vandalized the Pope Stone intended for the monument. The construction was halted, later resumed, and completed after the Civil War, though the design was simplified. There’s a fascinating Masonic connection here too-the cornerstone of the monument was laid during a Masonic ceremony, tying back to the secretive group’s influence on the city’s landmarks.
Finally, I visit the Jefferson Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, highlighting their alignment with Masonic geometry. I wrap up the episode by revealing the oldest federal monument in the U.S., a simple boundary stone placed by George Washington himself to mark the southern point of the federal district. This small but significant monument was laid with the same Masonic ceremony used for the Capitol and White House, making it a powerful symbol of the city’s Masonic roots and the foundation of the U.S. government.
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - DC Starts in Philadelphia
01:16 - Selecting a Location
01:56 - Using the Moons of Jupiter
03:04 - The Masonic City Plan
05:15 - The Washington Monument
07:00 - The Pope Stone
07:24 - The Know Nothings
09:08 - The Ellipse
10:25 - The Meridian Stone
13:06 - The Jefferson Memorial
14:11 - The Tidal Basin and Beach
15:46 - The Lincoln Memorial
16:53 - The McMillan Plan
17:25 - Lincoln Sign Language
18:07 - The Undercroft
18:46 - A Masonic Temple
20:45 - The Oldest National Monument
Sound effect credits:
River church bells: freesound.org/s/615623/
Protest recording: freesound.org/s/524602/
House Demolition: freesound.org/s/396813/
Mouse Click: freesound.org/s/678248/
Keyboard Typing: freesound.org/s/546166/
Communal Swimming Pool: freesound.org/s/750824/
Park at the Lake: freesound.org/s/631391/
Basement Ambience: freesound.org/s/362428/
Quiet Park: freesound.org/s/594540/
Birds Taking Off: freesound.org/s/499679/
D.C. Mall: freesound.org/s/717594/
Duck Splashing: freesound.org/s/574413/
Crowd in a Museum: freesound.org/s/452970/
Speaking Muffled Sounds: freesound.org/s/732411/
River Village: freesound.org/s/743993/