Why the Pentagon Has Five Sides: It’s Not What You Think
The Pentagon wasn’t designed to be five-sided. In 1941, architects had 72 hours to fit a building around a five-road intersection. The shape stuck.
Arlington
Just across the Potomac from Washington, Arlington has its own history shaped by the Civil War, the growth of the Pentagon, and the transformation of Northern Virginia from farmland to one of the country’s most densely developed suburbs.
1966 Arlington Biker Shootout: Pagans vs. Avengers
In June 1966, the Pagans and Avengers shot it out in broad daylight at the Lee Harrison Shopping Center in Arlington. Eleven bikers went to prison.
Rosslyn City in 1889: The Vision of Becoming Washington’s Brooklyn
Explore the 1889 ambition of Rosslyn City, touted as the “Brooklyn of Washington,” and its emblematic journey of urban aspirations and challenges.
Why Is It Named Centreville?
In 1792, landowners founded Centreville to be the geographic center point between Alexandria, Georgetown, and Leesburg.
Metro Magic: How Public Transit Sparked Ballston’s Revival
Ballston Metro Station: The linchpin in Ballston’s journey from a fading strip to a bustling urban center. Dive into its transformative tale.
1922 Ad Reveals How Electric Railways Transformed Arlington
Electric railways drove Arlington’s transformation from rural to suburban between 1892-1941. This history shows how rail paved the way for the county’s growth.
A Look Back at Rosslyn from Georgetown in 1964
Take a journey back in time to 1964 with this photo of Rosslyn, DC, taken from Georgetown. Get a glimpse of what the city looked like over half a century ago.
Washington’s Suburbs in 1961: How the City Spilled Into Maryland and Virginia
A 1961 Washington Post map plots every real estate subdivision ringing the city, capturing the postwar suburban explosion in Maryland and Virginia.
Who Is This Young Lady?
Young Evelyn Wadsworth was the daughter of the senator from New York and the granddaughter of John Hay, former personal secretary to Abraham Lincoln.