It was built during World War II to connect the Pentagon with U.S. Route 50 (US 50) and northern Arlington to the west and Washington, D.C., to the east.

[4] It is an important commuter route as well as providing access to a number of military installations, the cemetery and national memorials.

The next interchange with Route 244 offers a very short merge area because of the proximity to the exit ramps to I-395 and Arlington Ridge Road.

The final interchange in Virginia accesses Route 110, the Pentagon North Parking Lot and Boundary Channel Drive.

Route 27 is closed for large events held at the Pentagon including the annual Marine Corps Marathon[10] and the Army Ten-Miler.

However, at that time, the Mixing Bowl included a ramp from the westbound Shirley Highway to the eastbound Route 27.

Many commuters and drivers on the road witnessed the hijacked American Airlines Flight 77 fly directly over Route 27 and crash into the Pentagon.

[13] North of the memorial, a high cement retaining wall and berm has been constructed to protect the Pentagon from any possible explosion threats on Route 27.

[19][20] On September 11, 2010, the portion of Route 27 near the crash site was dedicated as "9/11 Heroes Memorial Highway" after receiving that designation by the State Legislature.

[24] At 3:40 a.m. on December 22, 2004, a gasoline tank truck overturned and exploded on Washington Boulevard at the Mixing Bowl, near the Pentagon.