The famed Hollywood sign was originally built to advertise a real estate development being built in Hollywood called Hollywoodland.
Legend has it that many a failed actor and actress committed suicide off the 13 letter sign, so the artist community eliminated the last four letters of the sign due to superstition, thus giving the city its name. In actuality, the city of Los Angeles acquired the property and ordered the derelict sign removed. The historic society overruled the action and the Hollywood business district stepped in to save the landmark- provided the 'land' was removed to promote the industry in Hollywood. Thus a historic landmark was made.
