This book, a product of collaboration and cooperation between two non-Masonic historians and the Grand Lodge of Virginia, is an objective, comprehensive study of the history of Freemasonry in the state of Virginia. The authors relate a fascinating chronicle of Freemasonry, from its British origins two hundred years ago to today. Along the way, they describe the colorful figures who populate this history and debunk many myths about Freemasonry.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

The Grand Lodge of Virginia, formally known as "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, A.F. & A. M., of the Commonwealth of Virginia," is the oldest independent Grand Lodge of Freemasonry established in the United States. The plans for the creation of the Grand Lodge took root in a convention held on May 6, 1777. The Grand Lodge was formally constituted on October 30, 1778, with its headquarters in Williamsburg, Virginia. The Grand Lodge relocated to Richmond, Virginia in 1784, where it remains to this day. The Grand Lodge of Virginia was formed by the union of nine chartered Lodges: Norfolk, at Norfolk; Port Royal in Caroline County; Blandford at Petersburg; Fredericksburg at Fredericksburg; Saint Tammany at Hampton; Williamsburg at Williamsburg; Botetourt at Gloucester Courthouse; Cabin Point in Prince George County and Yorktown at Yorktown. Three other Virginia Lodges in the colonial era chose not to participate in the Grand Lodge's establishment.