U Street Corridor in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia

1000 U Street, NW

— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 26, 2008

1. Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia Marker

Inscription. The first African Masonic order south of the Mason-Dixon line was founded in the District of Columbia in 1825. Social Lodge No. 7, as it was known, combined with two other lodges in 1848 to form the Union Grand Lodge. Later, the name was changed to honor Prince Hall, a Revolutionary War veteran who in 1784 obtained permission from Grand Lodge of Ancients in England to establish a "Lodge of Free Negroes" in Boston. This building, designed by Albert I. Cassell and built between 1922 and 1930, has been an important social and cultural center. In addition to the Masons, it has housed a bowling alley, ballroom and restaurant.

Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 38° 55.012′ N, 77° 1.569′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in U Street Corridor. Marker can be reached from U Street Northwest west of Vermont Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east. The marker is on the building's east wall, facing the

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adjacent African American Civil War Memorial. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 U Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. African American Civil War Memorial (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named African American Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); "We had everything we needed right here." (within shouting distance of this marker); New Negro Alliance's Sanitary Grocery Protest Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Evans-Tibbs House (about 300 feet away); Industrial Bank of Washington (about 400 feet away); Howard University Sets the Standard (about 500 feet away); Scurlock Studio Site (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

More about this marker.
Caption:
Initiation ceremony at the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia, 1956.

Also see . . . MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of DC. (Submitted on May 25, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)

"Masonic Temple" - northeast cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 26, 2008

2. "Masonic Temple" - northeast cornerstone

Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, August 5, 2008

3. Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia

African American Civil War Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, April 26, 2008

4. African American Civil War Memorial

Masonic Temple building is seen in upper right of photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 5,299 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on July 29, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 25, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on August 5, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 4. submitted on May 25, 2008, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.