The Pentagon: Headquarters of U.S. National Defense

The Pentagon serves as the definitive headquarters building for the United States Department of Defense, the primary executive branch department within the U.S. government tasked with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions directly related to national security and the vast U.S. Armed Forces. Beyond its physical structure, the phrase "The Pentagon" is widely recognized and frequently employed as a powerful metonym for the Department of Defense itself, encompassing its leadership, policies, and the collective might of American military and strategic operations.

A Monument of Wartime Urgency and Engineering Prowess

Strategically situated in Arlington County, Virginia, directly across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the Pentagon was conceived and constructed under an exceptionally accelerated schedule, driven by the pressing needs of World War II. The building's design was spearheaded by the notable American architect George Bergstrom, while its rapid construction was expertly managed by contractor John McShain. Ground was officially broken on September 11, 1941—a date that would tragically resonate with the building decades later. Demonstrating an astonishing feat of wartime engineering and logistics, the massive structure was dedicated just over 16 months later, on January 15, 1943. General Brehon Somervell, then Chief of the Construction Division of the Office of the Quartermaster General, provided the crucial impetus to secure Congressional approval for this ambitious project, recognizing the vital necessity for a centralized command. The overall supervision for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversaw the entire undertaking, fell to Colonel Leslie Groves, a figure who would later gain immense prominence for his pivotal role in leading the top-secret Manhattan Project, responsible for developing the atomic bomb.

An Unparalleled Architectural and Functional Marvel

The Pentagon holds the remarkable distinction of being the world's largest office building, a title it has proudly maintained for many years. Its immense scale includes approximately 6.5 million square feet (equivalent to 150 acres or 60 hectares) of total floor space. Of this vast area, an impressive 3.7 million square feet (85 acres or 34 hectares) are specifically allocated for office space, accommodating a diverse and extensive workforce. The building is home to an estimated 23,000 military and civilian employees of the Department of Defense, augmented by an additional 3,000 non-defense support personnel, all contributing to the nation's defense objectives. Its iconic five-sided shape is not arbitrary; it was a pragmatic adaptation to the irregular plot of land initially chosen for its construction, which was bordered by five intersecting roads, naturally dictating a pentagonal layout. This unique design incorporates five floors above ground, two subterranean basement levels, and a complex network of five concentric ring corridors on each floor. This intricate arrangement results in a total of 17.5 miles (28.2 kilometers) of corridors, designed for efficient navigation. At the very center of this colossal structure lies a distinctive five-acre (2.0-hectare) pentagonal plaza, famously nicknamed "ground zero" during the Cold War era, under the chilling presumption that it would represent a primary target in the event of a nuclear conflict.

The Pentagon's Enduring Legacy: Resilience Through Adversity

The Pentagon's undeniable status as a symbol of American strength unfortunately made it a target during the horrific September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In a coordinated act of terrorism, five al-Qaeda hijackers commandeered American Airlines Flight 77 and deliberately crashed it into the western facade of the building. This devastating impact resulted in the tragic loss of all 59 individuals on board the airplane (including the hijackers) and 125 personnel within the Pentagon, bringing the total fatalities at the site to 184. This attack marked a profound historical moment, representing the first significant foreign assault on governmental facilities in Washington, D.C., since the British forces famously burned parts of the city during the War of 1812. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to rapid recovery, the damaged western section of the building underwent extensive repair and meticulous reconstruction following the attacks. A poignant small indoor memorial and a chapel were thoughtfully incorporated at the precise point of impact, serving as a solemn tribute to those lost. Furthermore, a dedicated outdoor memorial, a sprawling and reflective park-like space, was unveiled to the public in 2008, providing a permanent and moving tribute to all the victims of the Pentagon attack on 9/11. As of July 2020, public tours of the Pentagon were temporarily suspended due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective visitors are advised to consult official Department of Defense websites for the most current information regarding tour availability and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Pentagon

What is the primary function of The Pentagon?

The Pentagon serves as the central headquarters for the United States Department of Defense, overseeing all national security functions, military operations, and the U.S. Armed Forces.

When was The Pentagon constructed and completed?

Construction of The Pentagon commenced on September 11, 1941, and it was officially dedicated on January 15, 1943, remarkably completing its construction in just over 16 months during World War II.

Why is The Pentagon shaped like a pentagon?

Its distinctive five-sided shape was determined by the irregular parcel of land originally chosen for its construction, which was bordered by five roads, necessitating a pentagonal design.

How large is The Pentagon, and how many individuals work there?

Recognized as the world's largest office building, The Pentagon encompasses approximately 6.5 million square feet of floor space. It accommodates about 23,000 military and civilian employees, in addition to around 3,000 non-defense support personnel.

Was The Pentagon targeted during the September 11th attacks?

Yes, on September 11, 2001, American Airlines Flight 77, hijacked by al-Qaeda terrorists, crashed into the western side of The Pentagon. This attack resulted in 184 fatalities (including those on the plane and within the building) and significant structural damage, which was subsequently repaired, and memorials were established.

Are public tours of The Pentagon available?

Public tours were temporarily suspended as of July 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors interested in touring the building should check the official Department of Defense websites for the most up-to-date information on tour availability and booking procedures.