The Fascinating History Behind the Location and Size of the Pentagon Building

West Point Gen Leslie Groves, who wrote 'Now It Can Be Told' in 1963, offers a unique perspective on the Pentagon's origins. He was an engineer who managed a massive capital budget during his Army career. Among his projects, he played a crucial role in the construction of the Pentagon and other significant structures, including interning Japanese individuals during World War II (WWII) facilities. Moreover, his endeavors in the Pentagon's creation were noted for their adherence to Virginia's racist laws, a fact highlighted by Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) when he ordered the signs removed during a White House (WH) meeting attended by several influential figures, including Secretary of War Henry Stimson, Science Advisor Vannevar Bush, and physicist Albert Einstein. This meeting would go on to lay the groundwork for the groundbreaking Manhattan Project, spearheaded by physicist Robert Oppenheimer. This collaboration, despite its unusual composition, led to one of history's most significant scientific breakthroughs.

Location of the Pentagon Building

In 1941, the War Department, now the Defence Department, required more space as it rapidly expanded in anticipation of WWII. A large undeveloped tract of land known as Arlington Farms, situated near Arlington National Cemetery, was chosen for the project. The site was favorably evaluated for its advantageous conditions: cheap and government-owned land, and its proximity to Washington D.C. on the Potomac River, which added strategic value.

Size and Shape of the Pentagon

The building's original aim was to consolidate all War Department operations under one roof, making the Pentagon a symbol of efficiency and unified command. The architect, George Bergstrom, designed it to fit compactly on the irregularly-shaped land. Upon completion in 1943, the Pentagon became the largest office building in the world, with a total area of over 6.6 million square feet.

Notably, the five-ring structure, designated A to E, and the five-floor layout created a unique five-sided shape, leading to its iconic nickname. This design allowed the building to maximize space while providing ample room for future expansion. The enduring relevance of this feature can be seen in the pentagonal shape's continued utility as the Defense Department's command and control center.

Despite its imposing size and location, the Pentagon's history is a rich tapestry of engineering, military strategy, and wartime necessity, all critical components in the narrative of the United States during World War II.