Skip to main content

How the Hollywood Sign Came to Be

By: Ocean View Hotel / May 31 2024
How the Hollywood Sign Came to Be

It's arguably the most iconic landmark in all of Los Angeles. Sitting high above the city, the Hollywood Sign is a quintessential part of the LA skyline. It's one of the most recognizable sights in popular culture, akin to America's history of fame and stardom. But where did the Hollywood Sign come from originally?

The first version of the Hollywood Sign was built in 1923 to advertise a residential development within the Hollywood Hills. This community was called "Hollywoodland", which is what the original sign read. During the 1940s, the sign had begun to deteriorate, and the letter "H" was destroyed. However, in 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce became owners of the sign and took over responsibility for its maintenance. The sign was then shortened to simply "Hollywood" to reference the city below. In 1973, it was officially declared a Historical Landmark by LA's Cultural Heritage Board. To this day, the legendary marker can be spotted throughout the City of Angels.

Find more readings