The original sign was erected in 1923 and originally read "HOLLYWOODLAND" to promote the name of a new housing development in the hills above the Hollywood district of Los Angeles.  Real estate developers Woodruff and Shoults advertised it as a "superb environment" without excessive cost on the Hollywood side of the hills. 

The famous sign that spells HOLLYWOOD are white uppercase letters 

45 feet tall by 400 feet wide.  Originally, the letters were made of wood and metal from 1923-1978.  From 1978-present they are made of steel.  

Thomas Fisk Goff, Architect 

 DOOWYLLOH

Hollywood spelled backwards

and how it looks from behind the letters

Thomas Fisk Goff (1890-1984) was born in England and was an English painter who settled in Los Angeles in the 1920s and founded Crecent Sign Company.  In 1923, he was the designer of the famous Hollywood sign. 

The Hollywood sign is more than just nine white letters, each facing South, spelling out a city's name.  It's one of the world's most famous symbols.  It was created as an advertisement in 1923 by architect Thomas Fisk Goff and clients Woodruff and Shoults, but garnered increasing recognition after its initial purpose had been fulfilled.  It was not intended to be permanent.  Some sources say its expected life was to be about a year and a half, but after the rise of the American cinema in Los Angeles, it became an internationally recognized symbol and was left, in place.

In 1949, the Hollywoodland sign found itself in disrepair and local residents demanded that it be removed.  Instead, the City of Los Angeles decided to build a new sign touting Hollywood though in 1978 that sign had become in need of repair.  In 1978, a group led by Playboy magnate, Hugh Hefner decided to rebuild the sign.  Hefner hosted a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion and raised $275,000 for the project.  The "W' was dedicated to Hugh.

A party at a restaurant called Drai's was held on September 19, 2013 to celebrate the sign's 90th anniversary.  For it's 90th anniversary, the Hollywood Sign Trust teamed up with Sherwin Williams to give the icon a "face-lift" that involved painters applying 105 gallons of primer and 255 gallons of paint.  It took nine weeks to complete the project. 

Most tourists are surprised to find they actually can't get to the sign.  It's illegal and sits behind gates protected by security cameras and park rangers.  Even if you make the hike up there, a Los Angeles Police Department officer stationed at the sign 24/7 will be there to greet you.

Happy 100 Years!