A Frightening Name
The name "Pentagon" sounds intimidating, doesn't it? In reality, it's simpler than you might think. Let's uncover the essentials of the Pentagon — what it is and whether it's really as top-secret as people say.
An interesting fact: a survey of American children revealed that one of the scariest words to them is "Pentagon." It was even scarier than "broccoli." If you asked older people from different countries, the result would likely be the same. News and popular culture have ingrained the stereotype that it's a mysterious place where who-knows-what happens.
In fact, the name Pentagon literally means "five-sided figure," even though it sounds like an evil residence from a sci-fi movie. It is a five-story pentagon-shaped building with two additional floors underground. Each side of the building is 281 meters long, and its height is about 23 meters.
It's intentionally designed to be low-rise for security reasons, as it houses the U.S. Department of Defense. This is also the source of many myths about what goes on inside. But more on that later.
Building Specifications
By American standards, the Pentagon is not that old — it was commissioned in 1943. Technically, it is located in Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. However, both the nearby bridge and the building's purpose make it commonly associated with Washington.
While the Pentagon was designed as a large neoclassical building, it was actually built from simple materials suitable for a government office — reinforced concrete and limestone. This wasn't about safety — during construction, the main supplier of marble was Italy, which was under fascist Germany. Americans didn't want to taint their project for the sake of beautiful walls, so they made do with what they had.
Most construction details remain undisclosed for obvious reasons, but some information is known. For example, the building originally had separate bathrooms for whites and blacks, but Roosevelt ordered that the corresponding signs not be put up. It’s also known that it takes only 6-7 minutes to walk from any point in the building to the opposite side, thanks to the corridor system connecting all 604,000 square meters of floor space. Currently, 26,000 people work in the building simultaneously, but it can accommodate even more.
The 9/11 Attack
During the tragedy of September 11, 2001, not only the Twin Towers in New York were hit but also the Pentagon. As we mentioned, the building was specifically designed to be low-rise and spread out over a large area, making it harder to attack. But even that couldn't prevent casualties.
A hijacked plane crashed into the left wing of the building, where the U.S. Navy headquarters was located. The terrorists aimed to cause more damage and directed the plane to descend: just before impact, the plane flew so low that it knocked down several streetlights. The plane's debris penetrated 95 meters deep into the building, leaving only the steering wheel and black box intact. As a result, not only the passengers but also 125 Pentagon employees perished.
After the tragedy, two memorials were erected — a commemorative plaque and a chapel inside the building, and 184 benches around it.
Myths About the Pentagon
Since its inception, the Pentagon has continually attracted attention, especially from conspiracy theorists.
- Underground Passages
Perhaps the most plausible theory is that there are not two but ten underground floors beneath the Pentagon with miles of tunnels. But even if this is true, military departments in other countries probably have just as many tunnels. - Access is Restricted
Many believe that only super-secret agents like Tom Cruise in the movies work at the Pentagon and that it's impossible to get inside. In reality, it’s quite possible — all you need is a passport. Free tours are conducted by the Department of Defense. Of course, the guides will mostly be muscle-bound cadets narrating the heroism of the U.S. military, but you can see similar displays in any military museum in the world. They won’t show anything secret, but they will give you a tour of the premises. Moreover, the Pentagon even has fast-food restaurants like McDonald's, so it's quite normal inside. The administration also loves fun statistics and regularly publishes reports like "How Many Cups of Coffee Our Employees Drank This Year." - Commerce vs. Recruitment
The funniest myth about the Pentagon is that it's directly connected to the Pentagon City Mall. This large shopping mall is one subway station away. Some people believe that not only do they sell goods there, but they also recruit spies from among the fascinated shoppers. Some even go there specifically looking for recruiters, but so far, no one has been recruited into the service.
Tours of the Pentagon
While the Pentagon is a highly secure facility, organized tours for tourists are possible. These tours allow visitors to see some parts of the building and learn about its history, architecture, and the work of the Department of Defense. Visitors can see the famous corridors, exhibits, and memorials dedicated to significant events in U.S. history.
Tours are conducted by professional guides who will provide detailed information about each element of the building and its significance. You’ll learn a lot about the Pentagon's role in modern history and its importance for U.S. national security.
Learn more about the amazing sights of Washington, D.C., on our website. If you're already thinking about traveling, feel free to ask questions and submit inquiries through our website.
The experts at American Butler will help you navigate the U.S. quickly and easily!
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