Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign — view
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
CLARK COUNTY, UNITED STATES · 1959

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

An iconic midcentury landmark that greets visitors at the threshold of the Strip, this neon sign has become synonymous with Las Vegas itself.

At a glance

The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign stands in the median of Las Vegas Boulevard South, positioned between the old McCarran Field pillars to the east and the Bali Hai Golf Club to the west. Located in Paradise, approximately 4 miles south of Las Vegas city limits, many regard it as the symbolic southern entrance to the Strip.

History

Funded in May 1959, the sign was erected shortly after by Western Neon. Designer Betty Willis created the iconic design at the request of Ted Rogich, a local salesman who championed the project. Rogich subsequently sold the sign to the Clark County government.

What you see

The sign exemplifies midcentury neon design, a hallmark of Las Vegas’s postwar aesthetic. Its distinctive lettering and bright illumination make it visible both day and night, though the neon glow is most striking after dark.

Cultural significance

The Welcome sign has transcended its original function as a wayfinding marker to become a cultural icon. It represents the optimistic spirit of 1950s Las Vegas and remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the city, symbolizing the gateway to entertainment and excess that defines the Strip.

Key facts

  • Country: United States
  • Location: Clark County, Nevada
  • Coordinates: 36.08205556, -115.17277778
  • Completed: 1959
  • Designer: Betty Willis
  • Fabricator: Western Neon

Practical information & getting there

The sign is located at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, accessible by vehicle or on foot. It sits in a median, so approach carefully. The site has become a popular photo stop for visitors and locals alike.

Sources & resources

Editorial text © Cultural Heritage Online. Facts drawn from Wikipedia/Wikidata.

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