Hollywood sign was real estate ad saying 'Hollywoodland'
The Hollywood sign, erected in 1923, was originally a real estate advertisement that read 'Hollywoodland'. The 13 block letters were illuminated by 4,000 light bulbs at night. Interestingly, the name Hollywood was officially registered with the Los Angeles recorder's office on February 1, 1887, by Harvey Wilcox, a man who hoped the land would become a community for devout Christians.