60 Then-and-Now Photos That Show Us How Different Places Have Changed Over the Years

We’re all familiar with the iconic Hollywood sign, but not everyone is familiar with its rich history, which is actually not quite as romantic as you might think. The beloved Los Angeles landmark overlooking the Hollywood Hills of L.A. didn’t always say “Hollywood,” but when it was first created, the sign said “Hollywoodland.”

The iconic sign, which is considered one of the most well-known American landmarks, was created in 1923, in an attempt to increase recognition for a local housing development after the same name. In 1949, the City of Los Angeles Parks Department decided to repair the sign and remove the “land”, to portray the entire district, rather than the neighborhood. During the years, it has undergone several restorations.