Freemasonry in the White House: Presidents and Their Encounters with Assassination Attempts

Freemasonry, a fraternal organization founded on principles of brotherhood, has attracted several presidents of the United States throughout history. In this article, we explore the lives and legacies of the presidents who were Freemasons, while also shedding light on their encounters with assassination attempts. From George Washington to Gerald Ford, we delve into their remarkable stories and the profound impact Freemasonry had on their lives.  Of the 14 Masons who were elected President, eight were the target of assassin; one was killed by that assassin. 

George Washington (1789-1797):

As the first president of the United States and an esteemed Freemason, George Washington exemplified the principles of the fraternity in his leadership. Though he faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including threats to his life, Washington was not the target of any recorded assassination attempts.

James Monroe (1817-1825):

James Monroe, the fifth president, upheld the values of Freemasonry in both his personal and political life. His presidency was marked by the implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, a significant policy shaping the nation's foreign relations. Monroe's time in office was not marred by any assassination attempts.

Andrew Jackson (1829-1837):

Andrew Jackson, the seventh president and a dedicated Freemason, was known for his strong leadership and determination to protect the Union. He faced an assassination attempt on January 30, 1835, when Richard Lawrence attempted to shoot him. Fortunately, both pistols Lawrence used misfired, and Jackson remained unharmed.

James K. Polk (1845-1849):

James K. Polk, the eleventh president, held Freemasonry in high regard. His presidency was characterized by significant territorial expansion, and he successfully achieved many of his goals. Polk's time in office did not see any assassination attempts against him.

James Buchanan (1857-1861):

As the fifteenth president, James Buchanan was committed to the principles of Freemasonry. He faced significant challenges during his presidency, particularly concerning the growing divisions between the North and South. Buchanan's time in office did not include any assassination attempts.

Andrew Johnson (1865-1869):

Andrew Johnson, the seventeenth president, valued his Masonic affiliations deeply. He assumed the presidency following the tragic assassination of Abraham Lincoln. On April 15, 1865, just days after Lincoln's death, an assassination attempt was made on Johnson by George Atzerodt. Fortunately, the plot failed, and Johnson survived the attempt.

James A. Garfield (1881):

James A. Garfield, the twentieth president, was a dedicated Freemason, committed to the principles of the fraternity. Tragically, his presidency was cut short by an assassination attempt on July 2, 1881. Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin, shot Garfield at a train station in Washington, D.C. Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881.

William McKinley (1897-1901):

William McKinley, the twenty-fifth president, held a strong connection to Freemasonry. His presidency was marked by economic prosperity and the Spanish-American War. Tragically, McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, by anarchist Leon Czolgosz, who shot him at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley passed away from his wounds on September 14, 1901.

 Theodore Roosevelt (1901-1909):

Theodore Roosevelt, the twenty-sixth president, and an active Freemason, was known for his progressive policies and bold leadership. During his presidency, there were no recorded assassination attempts against him. On October 14, 1912, former saloonkeeper John Flammang Schrank (1876–1943) attempted to assassinate former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt while he was campaigning for the presidency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Schrank's bullet lodged in Roosevelt's chest after penetrating Roosevelt's steel eyeglass case.

 William Howard Taft (1909-1913)

William Howard Taft, the twenty-seventh president and a dedicated Freemason, upheld the values of the fraternity during his term. His presidency was not marred by any assassination attempts.

 Warren G. Harding (1921-1923)

Warren G. Harding, the twenty-ninth president, was a devoted Freemason. His presidency faced challenges, including the Teapot Dome scandal. However, there were no recorded assassination attempts against him.

Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945)

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the thirty-second president and a devoted Freemason, led the nation through some of its most challenging times, including the Great Depression and World War II. Despite facing numerous threats during his presidency, there were no recorded assassination attempts against him.


 Harry S. Truman (1945-1953):

Harry S. Truman, the thirty-third president, was initiated into Freemasonry in 1909. His presidency was marked by crucial decisions, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, ending World War II. In 1950, while he was president-elect, a failed assassination attempt occurred on Blair House, where Truman was residing during the White House renovation. Puerto Rican nationalists attempted to assassinate him, resulting in a shootout with White House guards, in which one guard and two attackers lost their lives.

Gerald R. Ford (1974-1977):

Gerald R. Ford, the thirty-eighth president, was a devoted Freemason. He assumed the presidency after Richard Nixon's resignation and focused on healing the nation following the Watergate scandal. Ford faced two assassination attempts during his presidency. On September 5, 1975, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, attempted to shoot him but was apprehended before she could fire. On September 22, 1975, just a few weeks later, Sara Jane Moore made a second assassination attempt on Ford. Thankfully, both attempts were unsuccessful, and Ford remained unharmed.

Conclusion:

Freemasonry has played a significant role in the lives of several presidents of the United States, shaping their values, principles, and leadership styles. From George Washington to Gerald Ford, these Freemasons demonstrated the fraternity's principles in their actions while facing the challenges of their times. Some encountered tragic assassination attempts, while others were fortunate to escape such threats. These presidents and their encounters with assassination attempts remind us of the immense responsibility and risks that come with leading the nation.