The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign has stood in its original location since 1959, contrary to popular belief that it was moved south over time.

The iconic sign was installed by Western Electric Displays (Western Neon) in summer 1959. Ted Rogich proposed the idea, while Betty Willis created the design, drawing inspiration from the Riviera casino's welcome sign that featured silver dollar letters spelling "WELCOME."

The sign's location was strategically chosen next to McCarran Field (now Harry Reid International Airport), marking the southernmost point of casino development at that time. Though Las Vegas has expanded significantly southward since then, the sign remains in its original spot.

Photographic evidence confirms the sign's fixed location. The distance between the sign and the former Hacienda casino (now Mandalay Bay) remains consistent in historical photos, though perspective can be deceiving due to building height differences.

Interestingly, the sign's installation wasn't considered newsworthy at the time. After the Clark County Commission approved it on May 5, 1959, no ceremonies marked its installation, and newspapers didn't mention it until months after completion. Today, it stands as one of the world's most recognizable signs, second only to the Hollywood Sign in global recognition.

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