Unearth the fascinating history of how the Freemasons and Founding Fathers sowed the seeds of a new nation amid the collapse of the British colonies. Step back in time to the birth of a revolutionary new republic and discover how the utopian ideals of a visionary secret society laid the foundation for the most powerful nation on earth. Follow George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and other Founding Fathers as they transform the democratic principles of their Masonic lodges into a radical new nation. Solomon’s Builders unravels history from myth as it takes you on a Freemason’s tour of Washington, D.C. It reveals the evidence of Masonic influence during the construction of America and its new capital, including clues hidden in plain sight: •Masonic connections to national monuments •Puzzling pentagrams and symbolism in city streets •The mysterious temples of the “Widow’s Sons” Solomon’s Builders relates the true stories of these visionary founders, and the fascinating meaning behind the cryptic codes, enigmatic symbols and intriguing architecture that is reputedly the basis for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown’s novel The Lost Symbol. “Well written account of the philosophical thinking that led to the formation of a common man’s democracy. . . . The reference book that teachers need to use in their American History classes.” —Karl Grube, Ph.D., Bonisteel Masonic Library, Ann Arbor, MI “One of the better books that I have seen that credits Freemasonry where credit is due.” —Thomas W. Jackson, The Northern Light Magazine “What distinguishes Solomon’s Builders from the good and bad, malicious and benevolent, is its honesty, humor and clarity.” —Mark A. Tabbert, author of American Freemasons “An academically written book on the early days of American Freemasonry without the pretentious trappings of most scholarly treatments on the subject.” —Stephen Dafoe, author of Nobly Born

Esoteric symbols abound in Washington D.C. This illustrated guidebook provides a walking tour of the Masonic sites and symbols of the national capital and will be welcomed by students of esoteric symbolism as well as fans of Dan Brown's novels and the National Treasure movies.

Masonic scholar Albert G. Mackey outlines the biography of our most notable American president, George Washington. This was originally a lecture given by him, in South Carolina. Additionally, presented here is the masonic testimony of George Washington. Also included is supplementary material relating to the masonic biographies of other U.S. presidents.

BIOGRAPHIES of WASHINGTON, and the most eminent of his contemporaries, have been often written so far as relates to their public acts, and in many of them we have also a portraiture of their personal and domestic history. The virtues which ennoble human character, are taught and cultivated in the lodge-room; and the mystic labours of the Master and his Craftsmen. When convened, are such as fit men for the domestic relations of life and the highest duties of citizenship. WASHINGTON, with a full knowledge of the subject, wrote: "Being persuaded that a just application of the principles on which the Masonic Fraternity is founded, must be promotive of virtue and public prosperity, I shall always be happy to advance the interest of the Society, and be considered by them a deserving brother." WASHINGTON'S Masonic history might have been given by his contemporaries, in all its proportions, with fullness of detail. Now, it is like a beautiful column in ruins, -its parts broken, scattered, and moss-grown. We have laboured industriously to collect these Parian fragments, and only wish some hand more skilful than our own, might have given each its due place and polish in the most beautiful pillar of the temple of American Masonry. Of the Compeers, we have not written laboured sketches. We have only given such Masonic facts as came under our observation in our researches in the Masonic history of WASHINGTON but in each case, they are from veritable records. While they establish the Masonic brotherhood of the individual, we hope they may throw some light on his character, and make his memory more dear to our American brethren.