The Pentagon 3,460 recipients of the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. The Hall is also used for promotions, retirements, and other ceremonies. Notes Bibliography 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
Arlington, Kentucky on the name "Arlington" after Arlington Heights, Virginia, the hometown of a railroad official. The new city was incorporated in 1876. When Carlisle County was created in 1886, Arlington was initially selected as the seat of the new county. The nearby city of Bardwell challenged this, however, noting its more central location within the county. County officials agreed, and moved the seat to Bardwell shortly afterward. Arlington is located in southern Carlisle County at . U.S. Route 51 and Kentucky Route 80 intersect in the city. US 51 leads north to Bardwell, Kentucky, and to Cairo, Illinois, while leading south