Discover How and Why the Hollywood Sign in L.A. Was Built

The land of actors! The land of movies! Hollywood is the area in Los Angeles that is world famous for being the place where the film industry took off. The name is synonymous with the film industry in the US. And when people go to L.A., everyone sets their sights on finding the Hollywood Sign sitting on a hill. They flock to the bottom of Mount Lee to take pictures of the famed sign.

But as people post their selfies with the sign on social media, they may have no idea how and why the Hollywood Sign was built in the first place. Most people don’t know the history behind the sign and how, 100 years later, it has become a symbol of the film industry and the city of Los Angeles.

Let’s explore how and why the Hollywood Sign in L.A. was built. We’ll also give you some information on the wildlife in the area, where you can see it up close, some things to do in Hollywood and L.A., as well as some fast facts about Los Angeles.

Location of the Hollywood Sign

First off, let’s start with the basics. Where is the Hollywood Sign? It’s visible from many locations. In fact, you can be driving on Sunset Boulevard and you will be able to see it. But because it’s on the side of a mountain, objects may appear closer than where they are.

The Hollywood Sign is located on the south side of Mount Lee, which is in Griffith Park. On the north side is Mulholland Highway and on the south side is Forest Lawn Memorial Park, the cemetery of the stars.

Access to the Hollywood Sign is strictly forbidden, with LAPD cameras and motion detectors installed on the way up and barriers to prevent access. Unfortunately, over the decades the sign has been vandalized many times and been the subject of several pranks. Visitors can see the sign more closely by taking a hike up Bronson Canyon to Griffith Park. You can also see it from the Griffith Observatory. Another trail is located near the Lake Hollywood Reservoir.

History of the Hollywood Sign

In 1923, real estate developers Woodruff and Shoults decided to construct a new housing development in the Hollywood Hills. To draw attention to the area, they decided to erect a sign on Mount Lee. They called the new development “Hollywoodland.” The sign was constructed with 13 white block letters measuring 50 feet high and 30 feet wide that read “HOLLYWOODLAND.” The sign was bedazzled with 4,000 light bulbs that flashed, alternating between “HOLLY,” “WOOD,” and “LAND.” Under the sign was a spotlight to garner more attention to it.

The original intention was to have the sign erected for a year and a half. The sign did more than attract people to buy housing in the Hollywood Hills. It became a fixture in Hollywood and the movies. The sign was left there, but the lights were turned off in 1933. By the 1940s the sign started to deteriorate. Several letters were destroyed, either by vandalism or intense weather. The sign was nearly taken down because residents complained that it was ugly and annoying.

In September 1949, The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce decided to repair the sign and did just that, but they also removed the “LAND” part to symbolize the neighborhood and not the real estate development it had originally intended to represent.

Later History

The sign saw further deterioration and by the 1970s it looked haggard. The first O was half gone and the third O had fallen down. Local celebrities started a public campaign to replace the sign. Every now and then, the sign is still subject to pranks and vandalism. Most recently, the sign has been changed to spell “Hollyweed” and “Hollyboob.” Today, the Hollywood Sign Trust owns and protects the sign.

Wildlife and Nature Around the Sign

The Hollywood Sign is located in Griffith Park, which means that wildlife is abundant. If you want to spot the wild habitats of the animals that make Griffith Park home, you can always take a pony ride or go for a hike in the park. You can also go up to the Griffith Observatory, where you’ll be able to see birds flying or tiny creatures scattering around. The park is named after Colonel Griffith Jenkins Griffith and there are a total of 4,310 acres.

There are around 200 species of birds, 50 species of butterflies, and 40 species of mammals. The mountain lion makes its home in the caves and hidden spots of Griffith Park. You can also spot mule deer, bobcats, and even gray foxes. Three species of squirrel make Griffith Park their home — the western gray squirrel, the eastern fox squirrel, and the ground squirrel. There are also 19 species of reptiles, which includes the coast-horned lizard. In terms of flora, you can spot woodlands of oak and sycamore trees, chaparral trees, and coastal sage scrub.

Things to Do in Hollywood and L.A.

Los Angeles is arguably one of the most famous cities in the world. In fact, if someone were to name three cities in the world, they’d probably name New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. Because of the Hollywood film industry, L.A. is one of the most visited cities in the world, too. People from all over the world flock to see its sights. If you happen to visit the Land of the Stars, here are a few suggestions.

For a learning day, check out several museums that will expand your mind. The Los Angeles Museum of Art, the Getty Museum, and the Museum of Tolerance will surely pique your interest. The Griffith Observatory is also a good bet, and it gives you perfect views of the Hollywood Sign nearby. Furthermore, if you want a more nature-oriented day, a hike at Griffith Park is a must. There you will be able to catch some of the wildlife living in their natural habitats.

For the most touristic landmarks, make sure you go to the TCL Chinese Theatre, drive down Sunset Boulevard, check out the fancy mansions in Beverly Hills, and lastly, drive down to Venice Beach to play in the ocean and for some fun under the sun.

Fast Facts About L.A.

• Population: 3.8 million
• Area: 501.55 square miles
• State: California
• Incorporated: April 4, 1850
• Named For: Our Lady, Queen of the Angels
• Mayor: Karen Bass
• City Flower: Bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
• City Tree: Coral tree (Erythrina caffra)

Conclusion

The sign is a cultural symbol in L.A., a beacon of hope for every child who wants to make it as an actor in Hollywood. The Hollywood Sign stands for opportunity and the exciting endeavors that people, young and old, experience in the City of Angels. The sign has been replicated all over the world, showing the strength and unity it can give other places.

The history of the Hollywood Sign is unique, weird, and amazing, just like anything or anyone that comes out of Los Angeles. After 100 years, it has stood the test of time because after all, that sign isn’t just a symbol, it is what has made Hollywood Hollywood.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Mathieu LE MAUFF