A fully illustrated guide to the Masonic origins and present-day Masonic sites of Washington, D.C.• Provides a walking tour of the Masonic sites and symbols of the city• Explores the critical role of Freemasonry in the founding of the United States• By the author of The Templars and AssassinsIn this guide to the Masonic underpinnings of America's capital, James Wasserman reveals the esoteric symbols and the spiritual and visionary ideas that lie hidden in the buildings, monuments, and physical layout of Washington, D.C. His walking tour of these Masonic sites includes both the expected and unexpected--from the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building to the Federal Reserve complex, National Academy of Sciences, and the Library of Congress. Each location includes descriptions, interpretations, and explanations of the Masonic symbols and ritualistic meanings hidden within its structure, all illustrated with contemporary color and historic black-and-white photographs. Wasserman explains the purpose behind putting these symbols and Masonic designs into the capital and how all these monuments fit into the spiritual vision held by the founding fathers. He reveals the prominent role that Freemasonry played in the 18th-century Enlightenment movement and shows how in the New World of America, free of monarchy and aristocracy, the ideas of the Enlightenment were able to flourish. This illustrated guidebook to the Masonic secrets of Washington, D.C., provides valuable insights on the founding of America. It will be welcomed by students of esoteric art and symbolism, admirers of American history, and devotees of Dan Brown novels and National Treasure movies.

Introduction--Hidden in Plain Sight Freemasonry and the Cause of Human Liberty The Masonic Design of Washington, D.C. A Walking Tour of the Capital The Capitol Area Union Station Judiciary Square Federal Triangle The White House, Ellipse, and Lafayette Park The Federal Reserve and the National Academy of Sciences West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin The National Mall Epilogue--A Vision of the Future of America Directory of Sites Notes Selected Bibliography Acknowledgments Index