High on Mount Lee above Beachwood Canyon, the Hollywood Sign began in 1923 as HOLLYWOODLAND, a temporary advertisement for a hillside housing development. Designed as a 13-letter illuminated display, it soon outlived its real estate purpose as Hollywood’s film industry gave the district worldwide fame. The sign became both an architectural landmark and a cultural symbol of Los Angeles, though it also witnessed tragedy, deterioration, and repeated restoration. In 1949 its last four letters were removed so it represented the district rather than the tract, and in 1978 a steel replacement was unveiled. Owned by the City of Los Angeles, it remains a carefully protected emblem of Hollywood.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain