Table of Contents

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

About the Author

James Wasserman is the author of the bestselling The Templars and Assassins: The Militia of Heaven, The Mystery Traditions, An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar and The Slaves Shall Serve: Meditations on Liberty. A longtime student of the occult sciences and a member of the secret society Ordo Templi Orientis since 1976, he lives in New York City.

Reviews

“More than a breathtaking pictorial tour of Washington, D.C., this book is an archaeological expedition to a ‘lost city’ whose mystical treasures and traditions are hidden in plain sight--a city designed and built to be a powerful talisman and the beating heart of a spiritual entity that transcends all religions--a city whose very streets invoke the invisible energies that drive the evolution of human consciousness--a city inspired by a civic priesthood we know today as Freemasonry.”
*Lon Milo DuQuette, 32°, author of The Key to Solomon’s Key: Secrets of Magic and Masonry*

“This is the best book to date on the Masonic influences on the formation and growth of the early American republic. Destined to be a classic, it seamlessly weaves the exotic and esoteric aspects of history together into a guided walking tour of America’s occult greatness, showing that ‘holy land’ is not something that is found somewhere else but is right here beneath our feet. More than just a look at the past, it is a veritable tour of the future and of what America can be again.”
*Mark Stavish, director of studies at the Institute for Hermetic Studies and author of Freemasonry: R*

“James Wasserman provides us with an informative guidebook to the wondrous neoclassical monuments of Washington, D.C. Use it when you visit the nation’s capital and become enlightened and one with its Founding Fathers.”
*Robert R. Hieronimus, author of Founding Fathers, Secret Societies and United Symbolism of America*

“James Wasserman has an unparalleled track record prospecting in the Solomonic mines of occult worlds and emerging with 24-karat nuggets of secret history. He then subjects these to the assays of rational logic and analysis. From the Hashishim and Knights Templar of medieval times, to America’s Founding Fathers of three centuries ago, Wasserman knows how to decode the symbols, unravel the secrets, and find historical gold.”
*Dan Burstein, editor of Secrets of the Code and Secrets of Angels & Demons*

"The Secrets of Masonic Washington shines a spotlight on an unusual area of Washington, D.C. that few of us have ever realized. It is a historical study of masonry and how it is embroidered into the development of the USA. At the same time, the book is counter-balanced with photos of historic sites and statuary found in today’s Washington, D.C., revealing masonry’s remarkable influence up to the very present day.

This is one of the most interesting visual and literary walking tours of Washington, D.C. that I’ve ever taken, and I recommend it to any student of government, history, or art."
*The Amazing Kreskin*

"If you are planning to visit the Capitol, you really could benefit from having this book in your shoulder bag. It is well worth the cost and, even if you never go to Washington, you can still enjoy the wonderful images contained in it."
*Michael Gleason, Witchgrove.com, Dec 2008*

"A treat for those who are intrigued by the possibility of secret societies and their impact on the world, The Secrets of Masonic Washington is a fine and intriguing read that has much to be enjoyed."
*The Midwest Book Review, May 2009*

" . . . truly comprehensive. The collection runs through the expected, and the unexpected, with many dynamic images to illustrate just how 'hidden in plain sight' much of the Masonic symbolism is. . . . chillingly posits that if we have not the courage to embody the principles that these monuments commemorate, then these testaments will be all that is left us and our failure will relegate us to history."
*Frater Puck, reviewer*

"Those following Wasserman's trail will be exposed to images of individual strength and courage; to repeated representations of the power and primacy of law as guarantor of individual rights, learning and sciences. Values are being conveyed here, priorities stated. . . . Part of the insight Wasserman shares with readers is the appreciation of the extent to which Thelemic ideals are already integrated into the structure of American society and government (if not always perfectly expressed!) and openly celebrated in the public art and architecture of Washington, D.C. So, mote it be!"
*Frater Nefer Khabs, Behutet, publication of Thelesis Lodge, No. 42, July 2009*

"The national memorials to our country's great and greatness are physical testimonies of the collective vision that leads us. In Wasserman's tour, we can find outright Masonic emblems and symbols, allegorical representations of Masonic tenets, art and architecture produced by or illustrative of Freemasons, and buildings and statuary that are not Masonic but portray concepts and ideals that reflect Masonic thought. . . . The text is recommended for novice and veteran Masons alike who want to better understand our national heritage and search for Masonic ideals illustrated in the federal city."
*Brother Charles S. Canning, MMS, The Pennsylvania Freemason, Vol. LVI, No. 2, May/June 2009*

"Most histories of Freemasonry focus on how the new ways of thinking, triggered by the Enlightenment, were manifested in the taverns and coffeehouses in Europe along the lines of the ancient guild system. Therefore, I found Wasserman's theory of how this pre-established concept was transplanted to the fertile soil of the colonies, consequently influencing the emerging American political philosophy, to be fascinating. . . . I would definitely recommend this book, both as a companion guide to Brown's The Lost Symbol and as a tour guide for those either living in or planning to visit Washington, DC."
*Stella Maris, MANIA, Beyond Entertainment, Sept 2009*

"Anyone familiar with Wasserman's other work would know that of anyone, he is extremely suited to provide a 'guidebook to signs, symbols, and ceremonies at the origin of America's capital.'"
*Ashè Journal, No. 8.1, Aug 2009*

"[Wasserman's] text, illustrated with color and black and white photographs as well as maps, shines light on the Masonic symbolism, meanings, and purposes hidden within the layout, architecture, or art of each location. This valuable guidebook will appeal to students of US history and esotericism alike."
*Ruth Parnell, Nexus New Times Magazine, Sept-Oct 2009*

"Despite one's theological and/or philosophical approach to life, the impact of Freemasonry has been enormous. For these days and times that 'try men's souls,' I suggest Wasserman's book is both highly informative and very interesting."
*Dr. Donald Charles Lacy, retired United Methodist minister, Oct 2009*

“This is a book to be read by all Americans, so that we can understand the truly magnificent design and heritage that is shared by all citizens of this great nation.”
*Ed Porter, Lone Star Book Review, January 2013*