# Masonic Layout Of Washington DC. **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 20, 2001, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364 "2001-11-20T07:49:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Hiyruu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7bcc69/32.png) [@Hiyruu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hiyruu)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 7:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/1 "2001-11-20T07:49:37Z")
Washington DC is a city replete with masonic symbolism. For all relevant images, visit this URL: [http://communities.anomalies.net/cgi-bin/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get\_topic&f=25&t=001194](http://communities.anomalies.net/cgi-bin/bbs/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=25&t=001194) Warning, BIG PICS! They are worth it. Be sure to check out the pics on page 2 also. What do you think? ---
**Author:** ![Eternal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecb155/32.png) [@Eternal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eternal)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/2 "2001-11-20T08:09:28Z")
I wish I were a Mason. ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/3 "2001-11-20T09:02:45Z")
News flash! Washington D.C. is not, contrary to previous belief, a naturally-occurring phenomena, and in fact appears to have been _built by people_!!! Holy hell!!! ---
**Author:** ![Hiyruu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/7bcc69/32.png) [@Hiyruu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hiyruu)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/4 "2001-11-20T09:07:25Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SPOOFE \* > \*\*News flash! > > Washington D.C. is not, contrary to previous belief, a naturally-occurring phenomena, and in fact appears to have been _built by people_!!! > > Holy hell!!! \*\* point being? ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Mudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f14d63/32.png) [@Larry\_Mudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Mudd)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/5 "2001-11-20T09:12:34Z")
Nobody said it was naturally occuring. It was built by [_martians_.](http://www.terminator3armageddon.com/conspira/dcmars.html) Sheesh. Isn’t it obvious? Obligatory Jack Chick Tract: [\*The Curse of Baphomet](http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0093/0093_01.asp)\* ---
**Author:** ![SPOOFE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@SPOOFE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SPOOFE)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/6 "2001-11-20T09:18:59Z")
> [@](#): > > point being? I was just about to ask you the same thing. You asked what I thought. I told you what I think. Now I need to have a point? What gives? ---
**Author:** ![Ice\_Wolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/dfb087/32.png) [@Ice\_Wolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ice_Wolf)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 10:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/7 "2001-11-20T10:19:36Z")
Hang on. I’ve seen this kind of garbage before. Didn’t you spout about this straight after WTC, **Hiyruu**? Lessee – this _does_ fit into “pointless”, but it ain’t mundane. And I don’t think it’s stuff ya really had to share, either. ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/8 "2001-11-20T10:54:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by SPOOFE \* > \*\*News flash! > > Washington D.C. is not, contrary to previous belief, a naturally-occurring phenomena, and in fact appears to have been _built by people_!!! > > Holy hell!!! \*\* Debunked by Snopes. ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/9 "2001-11-20T11:27:26Z")
Who here has heard the story of the little boy who loved fringe theories and never had a critical thought? ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Ellis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/977dab/32.png) [@Michael\_Ellis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Michael_Ellis)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/10 "2001-11-20T11:35:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Waverly \* > \*\*Who here has heard the story of the little boy who loved fringe theories and never had a critical thought? \*\* I have, but I wanna hear it again! ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/11 "2001-11-20T11:36:20Z")
OK, **Hiyruu**. Question time. What is the purpose of this thread? Do you want:[ul][li]A debate;[_]Other people’s opinions on this matter;[_]To yell at the Evil Gummint;To ask factual questions about Masonry?[/ul]There’s a place for each and every one of those options on these boards. This forum isn’t one of them. If your sole intention is to talk about vague conspiracy theories, well, I guess that sort of unfounded discussion has little place at these message boards. Unless you rephrase it into a decent point of debate, after which I can move this thread to GD. Hint: in that case, your OP needs a lot of work.[/li] Just let me know. ---
**Author:** ![Dijon\_Warlock](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9a28c/32.png) [@Dijon\_Warlock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dijon_Warlock)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/12 "2001-11-20T11:39:21Z")
> [@](#): > > What is the purpose of this thread? Do you want: > > ``` > A debate; > Other people's opinions on this matter; > To yell at the Evil Gummint; > To ask factual questions about Masonry? > > ``` Jeez, **Coldfire** , you don’t have to give him the 33rd degree…😉 ---
**Author:** ![Oicu812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/f475e1/32.png) [@Oicu812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oicu812)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/13 "2001-11-20T13:14:55Z")
Let’s see. George Washington? Mason. Thomas Jefferson? Mason. 90% of those signing the Declaration of Independence? Masons. And this surprises you how? [sub]33rd degree… _snicker_[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![THespos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8c91f0/32.png) [@THespos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/THespos)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/14 "2001-11-20T13:55:44Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by Coldfire \* \*\*OK, Hiyruu. Question time. What is the purpose of this thread? Do you want:[ul][li]A debate;[_]Other people’s opinions on this matter;[_]To yell at the Evil Gummint;To ask factual questions about Masonry?[/ul]\*\*[/li][/QUOTE] That’s easy, **Coldfire**. The answer is “None of the Above.” If I’m right, this thread will follow the standard **Hiyruu** formula: 1. Troll like the Andrea Gail with a thoroughly debunked conspiracy theory or a bunch of made-up crap about quantum physics. 2. Wait until posters have completed a round of “ **Hiyruu** , you’re an idiot” posts. 3. Post something akin to “I was serious. And, by the way, you haven’t yet debunked my post.” 4. Wait for the second round of “ **Hiyruu** , you’re an idiot” posts. 5. Avoid getting banned by posting a bunch of nonsense designed to make everyone think “Hey, maybe this guy isn’t a troll. Maybe he’s actually an incredibly misguided soul who actually believes his own bullcrap…” 6. Lather, rinse, repeat. Honestly, **Hiyruu** , don’t you get bored of your own schtick from time to time? ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 1:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/15 "2001-11-20T13:56:44Z")
Thomas Jefferson a Mason? First I’ve heard of that and the man is a hero of mine. The big question is: Was Pierre L’Enfant (who designed the original layout) a Mason? ---
**Author:** ![gobear](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8dc957/32.png) [@gobear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gobear)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/16 "2001-11-20T14:44:33Z")
**Hiryuu** , you really need to cut down your dosage, son. There is no “secret” Masonic/Martian conspiracy embeeded in DC’s layout. First, if the Masons wished to be invisible puppetmasters behind the scenes, why would they build a big-ass temple right on King Street, the main avenue of Alexandria, VA? Not real subtle, that. It kinda screams out, “Lookee here, we’re Masons!” Next you’ll be telling us that the traffic patterns of Shriners in their little cars spell out “fnord.” Oh, and there are no Martians. ---
**Author:** ![Oicu812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/f475e1/32.png) [@Oicu812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oicu812)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/17 "2001-11-20T14:54:08Z")
Well, as far as Jefferson is concerned, I have always heard it traditionally said that he was, and found a couple of websites stating so. Then I also found others denying that claim, although he did take part in a Masonic cornerstone laying ritual that was held publicly. Pierre L’Enfant definitely was. [Here](http://www.jeremiahproject.org/Washtimes1.htm) is one site that was faster than all the others… It also amazes me the number of sites dedicated to the attempted vilification of the Masons. O ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Lao](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dr.Lao](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Lao)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/18 "2001-11-20T14:58:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Oicu812 \* > **It also amazes me the number of sites dedicated to the attempted vilification of the Masons.** But don’t you see? That is all part of an elaborate cover-up! The Masons make up these sites and make the claims against them seem fanstastic so that no one will ever believe it. It’s brilliant I tells ya! ---
**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/19 "2001-11-20T15:18:57Z")
Wasn’t L’Enfant fired and replaced by Andrew Ellicott prior to completion? Both men believed that a large modern city should be based on radial, not a gridwork system. An approach that Ellicott (and brother Andrew) applied to other cities, including the rebuilding of Buffalo NY with a similar radial system. [long rambling link](http://www.library.cornell.edu/Reps/DOCS/schermer.htm) [terse link](http://www.dcpages.com/Hwdc/wdc.html) ---
**Author:** ![Ogre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ecb155/32.png) [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2001, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364/20 "2001-11-20T15:23:06Z")
Hiyruu is absolutely right! [This hyar site](http://www.cuttingedge.org/n1040.html) confirms it! [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/masonic-layout-of-washington-dc/94364.md?page=2)