Abstract: A masonry retaining wall is constructed using a footer placed at or beneath a lower grade level with vertically extending post-tensioning rods extending therefrom. The post-tensioning rods are provided with upset ends and flange members close to a right angle bend to provide appropriate anchoring in the footer and to increase the pull out strength of the rod. A plurality of courses of masonry block are positioned on the footer with the vertically extending post-tensioning rods threaded through voids in the block. Flange members are positioned on the ends of the respective post-tensioning rods and nuts are used on the threaded ends thereof to apply a predetermined tensioning force to each of the post-tensioning rods.