The story of Masonry is woven into the historic fabric of Pueblo. As their name implies, Masons have been builders of men and communities since the first meeting in King Solomon's Temple. The history of Pueblo Lodge No.17, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons is significant within the fraternity, and also parallels the hundred years of development and betterment of Pueblo because the white-approned craftsmen have had dominant roles in community architecture.

  It was destined that one of the first Masonic temples in the West should be built here, because ever since the Aztecs and Toltecs occupied the region in prehistoric eras, this has been a meeting place for men. The confluence of the Fountain and Arkansas rivers made the site a natural gateway to the mountains. The mild climate and accessibility to natural resources won commendation from the earliest explorers and trappers.

  As early as 1673 the French explored this region by coming up the Arkansas River. The Spaniards ventured northward from Santa Fe and Taos. In 1706 Juan de Uribarri paused on the site of Pueblo while searching for Picuris Indians who fled slavery in Santa Fe. For the next century the site was frequented not only by Indians, but also trappers, traders, Conquistadores, friars and finally Lt. Zebulon M. Pike, who was sent out in 1806 by the United States government to see if the wilderness was fit for habitation.