Name that building!

August 14, 2008 1:04 AM

What is the building I saw while driving on the beltway around DC?

On a recent trip from Alabama to New Jersey, I spent hours stuck in traffic on the beltway surrounding Washington, DC. I distinctly remember a tall, somewhat ornate, stone building to the west--the left as I headed north. I presume this building was in Arlington County, though I could be mistaken.

1) Does anyone know the name of the building?

2) Short of querying the hive mind, how would one find out the name of buildings like this?

posted by jefficator to Travel & Transportation around Washington, DC (7 answers total)

Best answer: I don't know the building, but Wikimapia is often helpful.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 1:15 AM on August 14, 2008

Best answer: Thanks, dirtynumb! It turns out I was looking at the George Washington Masonic Memorial. I never would have found it without your help!
posted by jefficator at 1:29 AM on August 14, 2008

You're welcome :)
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 1:49 AM on August 14, 2008

I came here to say the Masonic but looks like you already figured that out :)
posted by nougat at 5:18 AM on August 14, 2008

Yes, it is the Masonic! I actually discovered you can do a tour through it - there's several a day, and they go through the very elaborate building floor by floor - it's practically a Masonic museum. The best part is getting up to the observation deck at the top of the tower - which has an amazing view.
posted by waylaid at 5:32 AM on August 14, 2008

Google images link here for the curious. Wikipedia article.
posted by Daddy-O at 7:20 AM on August 14, 2008

Note that the Memorial is in the city of Alexandria, not the county of Arlington.
posted by Chrysostom at 5:34 AM on August 20, 2008