Reddit reviews Masonic Temples: Freemasonry, Ritual Architecture, and Masculine Archetypes

You should read Masonic Temples: Freemasonry, Ritual Architecture, and Masculine Archetypes. It is primarily focused on the buildings the York Rite Knights Templar built for themselves.

Some states had requirements that all men between 17 and 45 serve in the military, and serving in a private militia that you controlled was much better food, uniforms, etc. etc. than the government issue. Freemason militia units quickly became a thing, and they built their own barracks and parade grounds, with some patrons funding very elaborate facilities and certain militias becoming famous for their field parade displays.

You will also want to research the Zouave craze in the american civil war, with entire volunteer units literally cos-playing being arabesque troops in the middle of a shooting war. The Knights Templar were only one of many romantically costumed militia units.