The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has remained in its original location since 1959, despite popular belief that it moved southward with the Strip's expansion.

Installed by Western Electric Displays (Western Neon) in summer 1959, the iconic sign was designed by Betty Willis, inspired by the Riviera casino's welcome sign. Willis incorporated flashing lights and chasing neon to create an exciting welcome for visitors, using a hotel key fob shape for the main design.

The sign's location was strategically chosen near McCarran Field (now Harry Reid International Airport), marking the southernmost point of casino development at that time.

Photographic evidence confirms the sign's fixed position. A September 1959 photo shows the three-story Hacienda casino (now Mandalay Bay's location) in the background, at the same 0.4-mile distance as today's Mandalay Bay stands from the sign.

Interestingly, the sign's installation wasn't considered newsworthy at the time. After its approval by the Clark County Commission on May 5, 1959, no ceremonies marked its construction or unveiling, and no photos documented its installation.

Today, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign stands as one of the world's most recognizable icons, second only to the Hollywood sign in global sign fame.

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