Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas: Everything You Need To Know About The Sign

The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign is one of the most recognizable pieces of signage in U.S. history. The sign, which welcomes visitors at the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip, is a popular tourist attraction no matter the time of day; there’s a constant line of eager picture takers and families waiting for their moment in front of the famous sign. It has appeared in movies, ad campaigns, commercials, music videos, and on license plates and has become a beloved piece of Las Vegas history.

The sign’s designer, artist Betty Willis, was a native of Las Vegas. She grew up along 7th Street, which is now part of downtown. She lived in Nevada until she died in April 2015, at the age of 91. Betty came across many obstacles in her career as a sign maker, as it was predominantly a male trade. However, her passion for her profession and art trumped any difficulties she came across. During her career, she also designed the signage for the Moulin Rouge, the first desegregated hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

Betty Willis was working at Western Neon when she designed the famous sign; the county purchased the sign through salesman Ted Rogich. It was meant to reflect the spirit of Las Vegas and welcome weary visitors to the place where all of their fantasies could (and still can) come true. The flashing lights represent the flashing lights of the Las Vegas Strip, and the silver-dollar letters symbolize the luck that all visitors hope befalls them during their trip.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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