Unseen Old Town: Where Is This Desk and Who Was the Owner?
Alexandria, VA – Alexandria is often referred to as George Washington’s hometown. A number of sites reference his presence around town. Besides Mount Vernon, of course, we are aware of the reproduction of his townhouse on the 400 block of Cameron Street. Perhaps you know of his yellow tenement house near the corner of Prince and Pitt Streets. Last month’s Unseen Old Town featured a bust of our first president that can be seen at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial.
The Masonic Temple, as it is known locally, was built atop Shooter’s (Shuter’s) Hill, overlooking the city. It is one of the largest private memorials to honor The Father of Our Country. In 1752, at age 20, the then-future president became a Mason when he joined the Fredericksburg Lodge. The Masonic Temple, a National Landmark, is styled after the lighthouse built at Ostia Antica, the seaport of ancient Rome. Construction of the Temple started in the 1920s, but the interior was not completed until 1970. In recent years, the Masonic Temple has figured in “The Lost Symbol,” Dan Brown’s sequel to the “DaVinci Code.” I refer you to the Memorial’s website, gwmemorial.org, if you’d like more information about the Memorial or would like to take their tour.
Have you noticed this around town? Where is it? What do you know about it?
To see more quirky photos and close-up angles of secret and not-so-secret spots in Old Town, Alexandria, and jump in with guesses, and comments, follow the discussion, and submit your own photos for consideration, join the Unseen Old Town Facebook group!
As for the photo above, we will reveal what it is and where it is in our next issue, along with a new one for you to ponder.
ICYMI: Fall Events Coming to George Washington’s Mount Vernon
