California’s iconic landmarks have changed dramatically over the decades, each telling a unique story about the Golden State’s rich history. These rare historical photographs offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, showing how these beloved sites looked before they became the attractions we recognize today. Join us on a visual journey through time as we explore these remarkable transformations of California’s most treasured landmarks.
1. Hollywood Sign’s Humble Origins
The sign cost approximately $21,000 (about $330,000 today) and was only intended to last about 18 months. Each letter stood 50 feet tall and 30 feet wide, constructed from wood, pipes, wire, and sheet metal.
By the 1940s, the sign had fallen into disrepair with several letters damaged. The “LAND” portion was removed in 1949 during a renovation by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, creating the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign that became synonymous with American cinema.
2. Alcatraz Island’s Military Past
Before housing America’s most notorious criminals, Alcatraz served as a military fortress. This rare 1868 photograph shows the island’s earliest incarnation as a U.S. Army fortress, complete with cannons positioned to defend San Francisco Bay from potential naval attacks.
The military built the first lighthouse on the West Coast here in 1854, and by the Civil War, the island had transformed into a formidable fortress with more than 100 cannons. Union soldiers imprisoned Confederate sympathizers in the island’s underground cells during this period…