Today in History: Famous Hollywood sign finished

The year was 1923 and this world-famous landmark that I personally think is a horrible eyesore the likes of which belongs at a county fair, was dedicated and basically defines that part of Los Angeles.

source

The sign was originally created as an advertisement gimmick for a real-estate development in the area but it became so recognizable that after the project was finished, the sign was left up. The 45-foot tall letters have obviously been maintained over the years and it has often been a victim of vandalism and pranks over the past near century.

source
_{epic trolling skill=100}

Not many people know this, but the original sign actually said "HollywoodLand"

source
_{The famous Arthur C. Hollywood prepares to dedicate the sign.... just kidding, I have no idea who that is}

Originally, the sign was outfitted with 4 thousand light bulbs and would flash Holly, then Wood, then Land.... presumably because it wasn't tacky enough already so they figured they would make it appear to be a cheap motel sign as much as possible.

It was meant to stay up for just 18 months but it just happened to coincide with a booming period of film-making in the region so a petition was made to keep it up. The "land" was removed but the sign is still there today and likely always will be so that we can let all visitors know that we are just a bunch of rednecks who can't wait to get home and crush a 12 pack of Coors Light.

It remains one of the most recognized landmarks in the world. The glitz and glamor of the actual Hollywood are personified in this sign because it encourages droves of people to travel to this part of L.A. only to discover that almost the entire area is a S**T-hole that only tourists ever go to.