What was the original purpose of the Hollywood Sign?

• A. To celebrate a movie award
• B. To honor a film studio
• C. To advertise a real estate development
• D. To mark the hillside

Answer: (C)

The sign began as a large promotional billboard for a real estate development in the Hollywood Hills. In 1923 a developer put up the letters Hollywoodland to catch the eye of potential buyers and draw attention to the new subdivision. It was meant to be temporary, even lights to be seen at night, and the whole thing was positioned to be highly visible from the valley. In 1949 the extra letters were shortened to "Hollywood" and the sign was refurbished, eventually becoming the iconic symbol of the area. So the original purpose was advertising real estate, not celebrating awards, honoring a studio, or merely marking the hillside.