History of Yesterday: 10 Surprising Reasons Presidents Joined Freemasonry

(by Jay Krasnow, History of Yesterday, September 26, 2022 )

Fourteen presidents have been Freemasons, a society that seeks to strengthen and improve the community by doing the same for the character of its membership. Many of these presidents commented positively on their membership in the group, and some even cited Freemasonry as a foundation to the way they governed.

While Freemasonry is first and foremost “a system of morality,” it should be noted that some of these presidents — including George Washington and James Monroe — were slaveowners, a practice that would seem to contradict the principles of the organization.

Washington spoke effusively about his respect for the tenets and principles of Freemasonry, and remained active in the society, even while he was president. Meanwhile, we know almost nothing about President Monroe’s life as a Freemason. James K. Polk, James Garfield and Warren G. Harding all publicly acknowledged their association with Freemasonry and participated in masonic activities during their tenures as president.

Here are quotes from 10 Freemason presidents known to have spoken of their association with the society.

“My attachment to the Society of which we are all members will dispose me always to contribute my best endeavors to…

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