Founding Fathers & Secret Societies

List of American Founding Fathers who were members of secret societies

Several of the American Founding Fathers were known to be members of secret societies, notably the Freemasons. Here are a few of those individuals:

1. George Washington: The first President of the United States was a Freemason. He was initiated in Fredericksburg Lodge in Virginia in 1752.

2. Benjamin Franklin: Franklin was not only a Freemason, but he also was a member of the Hellfire Club, a British society known for hedonistic rituals and political influence. He was a Grand Master of the Masons in Pennsylvania.

3. John Hancock: Hancock was reportedly a Freemason, being initiated in Massachusetts.

4. Paul Revere: Revere was an active Freemason, and he served as the Grand Master of Massachusetts.

5. John Sullivan: Sullivan was an influential Freemason in New Hampshire and later became a General in the Continental Army.

Remember, secret societies were often not so "secret" in the sense of nefarious or hidden activities, but more in the sense of fraternal organizations with private rites and rituals. Many of these societies have had significant influence on American and global history, but their reputations have often been exaggerated or distorted by conspiracy theories and sensationalist media.