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.
Take a look back in time and explore Alexandria, Virginia through vintage photos taken on September 23rd, 1940. Enjoy a glimpse of the past captured through Charles W. Cushman's Photograph Collection.
Take a look at the Federal Aviation Administration's headquarters on DC's Independence Ave. SW and compare it to what the block looked like in 1941 on the eve of World War II. See how the landscape has changed in this comparison.
This post explores the proposed Southside Freeway in Arlington which never came to be. Learn about the 1960 proposal, the public opinion, and why the highway never came to fruition in this post.
Take a closer look at this incredible image from the end of the Civil War. It shows F Street in the 1860s and the details are quite incredible when you click on the photo. Can you figure out where this is exactly?
Take a step back in time and explore Washington DC in 1935. This fascinating photograph shows the intersection of 13th and F St. NW. Click on it for greater details!
Take a look at this rare photo of the Capitol Building just after the new dome was completed in 1863. A stunning view of the Capitol from the Library of Congress!
Take a journey through the lost neighborhood of Herring Hill in Georgetown, DC. Learn about its history, including an interesting story from 1895, and explore the area with a Google Map!
Take a journey back in time with these 1932 apartment listings. See any buildings that you recognize, or maybe lived in? Add your commentary below and share your discoveries!
Take a look back at the beautiful development around Sheridan Circle in 1911 with this advertisement from The Washington Herald. Learn more about the history of this area in DC.