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The Pentagon

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An exterior view of the Pentagon building, taken during preparations for a memorial event.

The Pentagon is the main office building for the United States Department of Defense. It is located in Arlington County, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.. Construction began quickly during World War II, and the building was finished and ready for use in 1943.

Designed by architect George Bergstrom and built by John McShain, the Pentagon is one of the biggest office buildings in the world. It has five sides and plenty of space for thousands of people to work. About 23,000 military and civilian workers come to the Pentagon every day.

Sadly, the Pentagon was damaged in the September 11 attacks in 2001 when a airplane crashed into part of the building. Many people were hurt or lost their lives in this terrible event. After that, the damaged part was repaired, and memorials were created to honor those who were affected. Today, the Pentagon remains a very important symbol of the U.S. military.

Layout and facilities

A view of the Pentagon from the south in September 2007

The Pentagon building covers a large area of 28.7 acres, including a central courtyard. It has five main entrances placed around its sides. The north side has a special terrace used for ceremonies, while the southeast side is where visitors usually enter and where there is a small shopping area.

Inside, the Pentagon is organized into rings labeled from A to E, with additional rings in the basement. Offices are numbered in a system that helps people find their way easily. The building also has places to eat, exercise, and rooms for quiet reflection. Nearby areas include shopping districts and Arlington National Cemetery.

History

The Pentagon, located in Arlington County, Virginia, serves as the main office for the United States Department of Defense. Before the Pentagon was built, the U.S. Army and the Department of War used many different buildings in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. As World War II began, the United States needed more space for its growing military offices.

The main Navy Building (foreground) and the Munitions Building were temporary structures built during World War I on the National Mall. The Department of War was headquartered in the Munitions Building for several years before moving into the Pentagon.

Construction of the Pentagon started on 11 September 1941. It was finished in just over a year, and officially opened on 15 January 1943. The building has five sides and was built in sections, allowing people to start using parts of it even while construction continued. The Pentagon was designed to save steel for the war effort, so it used a lot of concrete instead. Today, the Pentagon remains an important symbol of the United States military.

Main article: Pentagon Renovation Program

Images

Historical map showing roads and landmarks around the Pentagon area in 1945.
Entrance to the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon.
Construction workers building the Pentagon in July 1942. This historic image shows the early stages of one of America's most important government buildings.
A view of The Pentagon, a large office building for the U.S. military, with the Potomac River, trees, and the Washington Monument in the background.
The Pentagon building lit up in blue lights to honor the 9/11 anniversary.
A peaceful view of the Pentagon Memorial at dusk, honoring those who have served.
A bird's-eye view of the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., taken in May 2021.

Related articles

Arlington County, Virginia
World War II
Pentagon
United States Department of Defense
Potomac River
Washington, D.C.

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