5 things you didn't know about the Pentagon

We’re sure you know the Pentagon is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. Located in Arlington County, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., the Pentagon was constructed during WWII from September 1941 to January 1943, the building cost $83 million ($1.19 billion in 2021). Following a pattern of fives, the five-sided edifice features five floors above ground (along with two basement levels, and five ring corridors.

Sticking with that theme, here are five things you didn’t know about the Pentagon.

1. Highest-grossing Subway restaurant

A busy Subway restaurant interior with several people seated in booths and others standing in line. Three people are seated at a booth in the foreground, two women and one man, engaged in conversation. The restaurant has a bright, casual atmosphere with a visible Subway sign and menu boards in the background. — *Subway has become a popular dining option on military bases (U.S. Army)*

Who’s hungry? As the headquarters of the DoD, the Pentagon hosts over 20,000 military, DoD civilian, and non-defense civilian employees. To feed all of these people, the Pentagon features a wide array of restaurants that you will commonly find on regular military bases. These include popular chains like Dunkin’ Donuts, Popeyes, and Subway. In fact, according to the official tour, the Subway in the Pentagon is the franchise’s highest-grossing restaurant in the country. When you’re constantly reporting to general officers, having lunch your way is a small but valuable win.

2. Largest office building

Aerial view of the Pentagon, a large five-sided government building surrounded by parking lots and greenery, with the Potomac River and the Washington Monument visible in the background under a cloudy sky. — *Despite its size, the Pentagon is designed for employees to get from one point to anywhere else in the building in seven minutes (U.S. Air Force)*

In order to provide space for over 20,000 people to work, the Pentagon covers a massive area. It features 3.7 million square feet of office space and 67 acres of parking; the inner pentagonal plaza alone covers five acres. The roof stands at 77 feet above ground and the interior corridors stretch for 17.5 miles. In total, the Pentagon has 6.5 million square feet of floor space, making it the largest office building by total area in the country and the second largest in the world.

3. Segregated bathrooms

*Racial segregation in the military officially ended in 1948 (U.S. Army)*

As previously mentioned, the Pentagon was constructed during WWII. At the time, the state of Virginia enforced racial segregation laws that required separate eating and lavatory facilities for white and Black people. Being built in Virginia, the Pentagon adhered to these laws. However, following a tour shortly before the building’s dedication, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the removal of the “White Only” signs. Although Virginia Governor Colgate Darden protested, Roosevelt argued that the federal control of the Pentagon superseded the state’s law. As a result, the Pentagon was opened as the only non-segregated building in Virginia. The separate bathrooms are still located side-by-side.

4. DC zip code in Virginia

A man in a dark suit and tie is smiling while holding mail, standing next to a person in a black hoodie facing away from the camera. They are near a metal cart with a large white United States Postal Service mail tray and scattered envelopes on a table. In the background, there are shelves and two other people, one walking and one standing, in a room with fluorescent lighting and a tiled floor. — *Mail is a huge operation for the Pentagon (U.S. Air Force)*

Although the Pentagon is located in Virginia, it does feature Virginia zip codes. Adopted in 1963, Zoning Improvement Plan codes guide mail to its destination. The first three numbers direct it to a regional facility, while the last two numbers designate a specific delivery post office. Under federal jurisdiction, the Pentagon uses Washington D.C. zip codes for the Secretary of Defense (20301), Joint Chiefs of Staff (20318), Army (20310), Air Force (20330), and Navy (20350). The Marine Corps and Space Force fall under the Navy and Air Force zip codes, respectively.

5. Virginia DMV

A spacious, modern office or service area with multiple numbered service counters separated by partitions. Each counter has a computer and a small screen. In front of the counters, black chairs are spaced apart on individual black mats, arranged in a single row for waiting customers. The ceiling has large, round hanging light fixtures, and the floor is polished and reflective. The overall color scheme includes shades of gray, blue, and beige. — *It’s still the DMV, but at least it’s in the same building (twitter.com/virginiadmv)*

Working in a fast-paced environment like the Pentagon, it can be difficult to find time to go to the DMV. Luckily, Pentagon employees have exclusive access to a DMV facility within the building. Located in Room 2C1049, this Virginia DMV is open Monday-Friday from 0800-1600. Appointments can be made online and, although you can’t take your driving test at this location, you can get your E-Z pass to make your commute easier.