The Pentagon The Pentagon The Pentagon, in Arlington County, Virginia, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. As a symbol of the U.S. military, the phrase "The Pentagon" is often used as a metonym for the Department of Defense and its leadership. The building was designed by American architect George Bergstrom and built by contractor John McShain. Ground was broken on September 11, 1941, and the building was dedicated on January 15, 1943. General Brehon Somervell provided the major motivating power behind the project; Colonel Leslie Groves was responsible for overseeing the
Construction of the Virginia approaches to Arlington Memorial Bridge or disapprove any major construction project on or within view of federal property but also to approve road construction in the region which used federal funds. The agency had long stated its intention to support the urbanization of Arlington County (in part to provide for more and better housing for the federal workforce, and to improve the capital's economy). The Virginia State Highway Commission was considering a number of routes, some of which skirted rather than passed through Arlington County. However, the NCPC and the CFA both said in July 1927 that they would approve any route chosen by the