Olympia in Thurston County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Masonic Lodge 1854-1971,

Washington Territorial Legislative Meeting Site 1854-1855 and 1855-1856

— Olympia Heritage Site —

Masonic Lodge 1854-1971, Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 6, 2015

1. Masonic Lodge 1854-1971, Marker

Inscription. The Masonic Temple was built in 1854 by the first Masonic Lodge in Washington, Olympia Lodge No 1 F. and A. M. It was built on land donated by Edmund Sylvester who had platted the town of Olympia in 1850. Designed in a classical style, the impressive two-story structure had a temple front with four columns across the facade.

After Washington was made a territory in 1853, a territorial capitol building was begun at the present capitol grounds site. However in 1855-56, a general Indian Uprising was underway in Western Washington and men were called away on militia duty. The capitol was unfinished in time for the 1854-1855 legislature and so that session and the one the following year, 1855-1856, met in the Masonic Temple. It was the only suitable structure in the city.

Besides Masonic services, the structure also served as a school and as a meeting place for other civic gatherings before it was razed in 1911. A new Masonic temple of similar design was built at the same location but was torn down in 1971.

This marker was donated by Olympia Lodge No. 1 F. and A. M. and by the Sacajawea Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Erected 1999 by Olympia Lodge No. 1 F. and A. M. and by the Sacajawea Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 47° 2.752′ N, 122° 52.998′ W. Marker is in Olympia, Washington, in Thurston County. It is on 4th Avenue East west of Central Street Southeast, on the left when traveling west. In front of Thurston County Title Company and EdwardJones Investments. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

1401 4th Avenue E, Olympia WA 98506, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region

and in Greater Seattle.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast,

in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daniel R. Bigelow House (1854) (approx. 0.4 miles away); Susan B. Anthony Visits Bigelow House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Bigelow House (approx. half a mile away); Howard Point - An Olympia Black History Landmark (approx. half a mile away); Billy the man (approx. 0.6 miles away); 1903 Washington State Legislative Meeting Site (approx. 0.7 miles away); Former Olympia Library (approx. ¾ mile away); Washington Women Win the Vote (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olympia.

More about this marker. Enameled metal plaque attached to a large concrete upright slab.
The

Photographed by Shirley A Stirling, November 6, 2015

2. Masonic Lodge 1854-1971, Marker

plaque is marred by several rusty spots where the enamel is gone.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2015, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. This page has been viewed 783 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2016, by Shirley A Stirling of Lacey, Washington. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.