At the northern terminus of Arlington Ridge lies Prospect Hill , an Arlington County historic site . The sign here reads : '' The mansion which formerly stood here was built in 1841 by James Roach , a prosperous contractor who supplied most of the brick and stone used in the construction of the Aqueduct Bridge and Alexandria Canal ( under construction 1833 – 1843 ) and the Alexandria , Loudoun , and Hampshire Railroad ( under construction 1853 – 1859 ) . His property , which extended to Roach ’s Run , was ruined and vandalized during the construction of Fort Runyon and Fort Albany in 1861 . His mansion was demolished in 1965 . '' Prospect Hill 's vantage immediately overlooking the Pentagon ( and the Washington D.C. skyline beyond ) makes it a popular location for photographers . After the September 11 attacks , this spot offered a clear view of the Pentagon 's damaged side . Many of the pictures that appeared around the world showing the still smoldering Pentagon were taken from this spot . Immediately after the disaster , a makeshift memorial consisting of wreaths and flowers was also established here
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Arlington Ridge, Virginia