The beaming smiles on visitors’ faces as they gaze at the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign are always inspiring. Who would have known this sign would become the world’s most famous welcome sign? Even the creator probably had no idea that a sign with no ceremony to mark its completion or unveiling would become the planet’s top-renowned sign, second only to Hollywood in popularity. And here we are, in the 21st century, with countless travelers from around the world excitedly waiting in line daily to take a picture with the famous sign. It stands tall as the symbol of the thrilling and pleasurable indulgence that awaits you in Sin City.
Several entities pay homage and tribute to the sign, and the story behind its design and memorable moments is just a skip ahead in our casino news.
While you’re at it, look for our casino games section to up your savvy for your visit to Vegas!
The Fascinating History Behind the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Source: Ho / Las Vegas News Bureau / Afp
In the 1950s, during the post-war boom, Las Vegas was a fast-growing city. It recorded millions of visitors every year and hundreds of millions of dollars for its casino and entertainment scene. Neon signs of casinos, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments flooded the city’s streets. So, Ted Rogich, one of the city’s local businessmen, and several other Clark County officials decided it was time for the city to have its flashy sign to advertise itself and welcome travelers to Las Vegas.
Betty Willis: The Sign’s Creator
Rogich went to the Western Electric Displays, popularly called Western Neon. There, he approached Betty Willis, one of the first female artists and graphic designers to work in the male-dominated commercial art and design scene.
Reports reveal that Willis was given the job as one of her first attempts to create a sign since everyone else in the company was busy. She promptly began work on the sign, which cost only $4,000.
She studied several other signs to make a unique and fitting sign for the city. In 1959, Bettis Willis finished and installed the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. However, she had no copyright to the sign. Today, the sign can be found on several objects, including souvenirs, because Willis decided to make it a public domain. She considers the sign her gift to the city, since the sign is the first thing most travelers see upon arrival in Las Vegas and departure from the city.
YESCO Claims Ownership
In the 1960s, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) purchased Western Neon. YESCO claimed ownership of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign and leased it to Clark County, which has maintained it since then.
Over 60 years later, the sign stands tall and remains vibrant.
Source: Gabriel Bouys / Afp
Result of a creative process
Betty Willis created an iconic sign. She combined elements of the Atomic Age, futurism, and car culture style in the sign’s design. It has a distinctive diamond shape with corners at the top and bottom and rounded corners at both sides. This shape holds the sign’s fascinating elements together. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” phrase is highlighted with Neon lights in flashy colors, as Ted Rogich wanted it to be.
Each “welcome” letter in capital letters is encased in seven silver dollar circles as a tribute to Nevada’s identity as the “Silver State.” This design connects the sign to the state’s history and culture. The word “Fabulous” is written in the fifties style, while “Las Vegas” is written in large capital letters.
Though lesser known, the message on the sign’s back reads, “Drive Carefully, Come Back Soon.” This reminder makes the sign a welcoming gateway to the city and a farewell symbol that brings visitors back to the city.
This design has established the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign as a beloved landmark for all travelers who love to play at the best online casino.
Where To Find the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign
Souce: Michael Defreitas / Robert Harding Premium / Robertharding Via Afp
The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign is located in Paradise, despite its association with Las Vegas. It is at the city’s southern entrance, 5100 South Las Vegas Boulevard, the old road to the city. It is near Interstate 15 and next to Harry Reid International Airport.
Las Vegas Boulevard is the main road in the city, from north to south. It has all the best casinos and is also the best road to the city.
However, only a few people arrive in Las Vegas through South Las Vegas Boulevard these days. That’s because Interstate 15 has replaced the old road to Las Vegas from Los Angeles, and the south only marks the unofficial southern entrance to the Strip.
The sign has evolved from just a welcome sign to an essential part of the city’s identity. It is now ingrained in the imaginations of visitors globally.
How the Welcome Sign Became a Safely Accessible Icon
In its early days, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign’s location was dangerous for visitors. They had to cross the fast lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard to access the sign.
Therefore, to prevent potentially harmful occurrences, Clark County officials took relevant actions to improve the area in 2008. They built 12 parking spaces, walkways, and other features for visitors’ safety. In 2012, the officials added more spaces, and again, in 2015, the site was further expanded to better handle the massive number of visitors.
Incorporation Into the National Register of Historic Places
In late 2008, Clark County employees voted to have the sign on the National Register of Historic Places. Eventually, in 2009, the State Historic Preservation Office nominated the sign, and it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The sign was also officially added to the State Register of Historic Places in 2013 to recognize its role in shaping the state’s identity.
Notable Events at the Welcome Sign
Several memorable events have featured the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. One such event was the 2008 National Wear Red Day (January 31), when the sign was illuminated in red to raise awareness for women’s heart health.
The sign was also at the center of “Earth Hour” on March 8, 2009. For one hour, most parts of the Strip, including the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, were blacked out.
Another noteworthy moment in the sign’s history occurred in 2010 when its text was temporarily altered to read “Camp Vegas” in a marketing campaign.
In addition, the sign was featured at the 2020 Democratic National Convention, which emphasized its recognition as a symbol of Las Vegas.
Replicas and Souvenirs for Las Vegas Visitors
You can easily find replicas and souvenirs of the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign in every corner of the city. The replica at the SlotZilla Zipline is a notable example. By the way, experiencing the SlotZilla is one of the things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling.
The zipline at the Fremont Street Experience has a giant slot machine tower with a “Welcome to Fabulous Downtown Las Vegas” sign. Another replica is located on Boulder Highway.
Additionally, a replica is located at Harry Reid International Airport. This one offers travelers a photo opportunity as they arrive in or depart from Las Vegas. Likewise, some companies now make home installations of the sign’s souvenir lights as light bulbs.
In 2023, YESCO, the company responsible for maintaining the original, began selling out the replaced light bulbs used in the sign itself as souvenirs. This means that, if you want a piece of the sign in your home, you can get one for yourself.
Experience the Charm of the Welcome Sign
“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” is a historical emblem of Sin City. It symbolizes the city’s fun, excitement, and unforgettable memories. The sign area will be a fun photoshoot spot when you’re next in Vegas. Take a memorable photo on your next visit.
Plus, nothing says Vegas like the thrill of the casino—visit VegasAces.com to experience that excitement with classic games like blackjack, slots, and roulette.
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