D.C. in the 1940s - Ghosts of DC

Why the Pentagon Has Five Sides: It’s Not What You Think

March 29, 2026October 2, 2025 by ghostsofdc

Survey map of Arlington Experimental Farm showing the irregular pentagon boundary created by existing roads

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.

The Duo Who Built D.C.’s First Freeway: Archie Alexander, Maurice Repass, and the Whitehurst Story

March 28, 2026May 15, 2025 by ghostsofdc

Whitehurst Freeway / Rock Creek & Potomac Parkway, Washington, District of Columbia, DC

In 1949, Washington opened its first elevated freeway—but the real story is the interracial engineering duo behind it. Discover how Archie Alexander and Maurice Repass built the Whitehurst Freeway and quietly broke barriers in Jim Crow-era America.

Exploring Alexandria, Virginia Through Vintage Photos From September 23rd, 1940

October 22, 2023September 3, 2023 by ghostsofdc

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.

Temporary Structures Reshape Washington’s Monumental Core

November 14, 2023February 26, 2023 by ghostsofdc

Main Navy and Munitions Buildings in 1942

Take a rare glimpse of the massive Navy and Munitions Buildings erected on the Mall in 1918. See how massive they were from the Washington Monument in 1942 with this incredible vantage point.

Schott’s Alley on Capitol Hill in 1941

October 22, 2023February 15, 2023 by ghostsofdc

What was alley living like near Capitol Hill? This photo shows Schott’s Alley, razed in the 1940s to make way for the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Three Houses for Sale the Day of Pearl Harbor

January 14, 2023January 14, 2023 by ghostsofdc

These three houses were advertised for sale in the Washington Post on December 7th, 1941. Help us identify the 565-acre estate in Warrenton, Virginia.

Revisiting Streetcar Life in Washington, DC: A Look Back at Life in 1943

February 17, 2023August 4, 2022 by ghostsofdc

What was it like riding the streetcars of Washington on the 1940s? Take a look at this series of great old photos.

What Did National Airport Look Like in 1941?

November 9, 2022February 8, 2022 by ghostsofdc

Washington’s new airport opened for business in June 1941. This series of detailed photos shows what flying was like 80 years ago, more glamorous, quaint, and dressed up.

Hoover Field: Before the Pentagon and National Airport

November 9, 2022November 4, 2021 by ghostsofdc

There used to be an airport where the Pentagon stands today. Washington-Hoover Airport operated from 1933 to 1941, replaced by National Airport.

Take a Look at the Magazine Rack at National Airport in 1941

November 9, 2022July 7, 2020 by ghostsofdc

Take a look at a cool old photo of the magazine rack at National Airport when it opened in 1941. Plus, explore some more old photos and read three great stories from the airport!