The Pentagon, Government headquarters in Arlington County, United States
Five identical sides form this massive structure, each measuring 921 feet (281 meters) and enclosing concentric rings that surround a central plaza. The building covers 6,039,500 square feet (561,000 square meters) of office space distributed across five above-ground levels. Indiana limestone panels form the exterior walls, and 7,750 windows puncture the facade to illuminate the workspaces within. Corridors stretching 17.5 miles (28.2 kilometers) connect departments throughout the reinforced concrete framework.
Ground was broken on 11 September 1941, designed by George Bergstrom and built by contractor John McShain under Colonel Leslie Groves of the Army Corps of Engineers; the building was dedicated on 15 January 1943. On 11 September 2001, hijackers flew American Airlines Flight 77 into the western side, killing 125 people in the building and 59 on the plane. The damaged section was repaired with an indoor memorial and chapel at the impact point, and an outdoor memorial opened in 2008.
The facility functions as the command center for United States military operations worldwide, housing offices for the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the three military departments. More than 23,000 personnel report to this location daily, coordinating activities across all branches of the armed forces. The memorial outside honors the 184 lives lost during the terrorist attack, with each illuminated bench positioned to face either the building or skyward depending on whether victims were inside or aboard the aircraft.
Reservations for interior tours must be submitted through a congressional office at least two weeks before the requested date, and all participants undergo background screening. Valid identification issued by government authorities is mandatory for entry during weekday tour hours. Metro riders can exit at the dedicated station served by Blue and Yellow line trains. The outdoor memorial remains accessible without charge throughout day and night, with parking spaces located along Washington Boulevard for those arriving by car.
The building has about twice as many restrooms as needed: when it was built, a Virginia law required separate facilities for white and black workers. The central five-acre courtyard is used for ceremonies and as a shortcut between rings. Visitors can see the impact point marked by an indoor memorial and chapel on the western side.
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