Most people think the Pentagon's famous five-sided shape represents military symbolism or strategic design. The real story is far more surprising: the world's most recognizable military building got its iconic shape because it had to fit around the property lines of an experimental farm in Arlington, Virginia. When architects had just one weekend in July 1941 to design the world's largest office building, they shaped it to match the boundaries created by old farm roads.
Explore the history of the Old Glass House, Washington D.C.'s first glass factory established in 1807, and its impact on early American industry and community development.
Step back in time with this captivating 1919 photo of Leoffler's Liberty Lunch stand in Washington, D.C., where just 20 cents could buy government workers a box lunch filled with surprises. Discover the story of Severine G. Leoffler's entrepreneurial spirit in the early days of street food.
WMATA spent $69,000 for the sample station in May 1968. After just a few weeks of construction, it measured 64 feet in width, 30 feet in height, and just 17 feet in length. It marked a key milestone in the capital subway project - a massive planning and engineering effort that started in the 1950s.
Charles C. Glover was a prominent banker, philanthropist, and backer of the City Beautiful movement in Washington during the 1880s-1930s. Read about his 50th wedding anniversary article in the Washington Post and his predictions for the future of the city.
Take a look back in time with this old advertisement for 1201 Clifton St. NW in Columbia Heights from 1910. See the original ad and the street view today.
This is a sad story of a young man, John McCalip, who was drowned in the Potomac River in 1908, shortly before his wedding. Read more about his story and the tragedy that happened on the river.
Learn about JFK's opposition to widening Chain Bridge Road from McLean into the District. We also uncovered some interesting facts about the history of McLean, VA. Read more about this story here!
Take a look back in time to explore the Harvard St. Bridge in Washington, DC. This bridge crosses Rock Creek Park and has been a part of the city since 1909. See a photo of the old bridge and learn more here.
In an incredible story of a mother's dedication, The Washington Post reported in 1956 on the birth of Patti Sue Williams on Key Bridge in Fairfax. Read the article excerpts and find out whether you know this brave woman!
GoDCer Michael sent in this amazing photo of two marines awaiting shipment out for World War I at Union Station in Washington, DC. See the photo and read more about the story behind it.
Carroll Hall, a local newspaper and public relations man, lost his left eye after being struck by a flying hockey puck at a Washington Presidents-New Haven Blades game. Read the article from The Washington Post and Times Herald from December 16th, 1957.
Explore East Capitol Street in 1888 with this historic map. Find wood and brick buildings from over a century ago. Discover a piece of DC history with this interactive map from the Library of Congress.
![John Henry Balch, Corpsman, U.S. Navy, visiting Washington, D.C., in June 1917 [at Columbus statue at Union Station], while awaiting shipment overseas. The Marine on the right is not identified. [Portraits.] [Scene, World War I, World War 1.] John Henry Balch. 06/1917; NH 80571; Courtesy of Commander J.H. Balch, U.S. Navy (retired), 1974.](https://ghostsofdc.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2014/07/14511329064_2b6720dd91_o-650x1024.jpg)
