![\"Famous](\"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Famous-Signs-Across-the-50-States-Hero-01-560x232.png\")
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We are\u00a0surrounded by signs! Everywhere you look there\u00a0are signs. Because we’re sign enthusiasts we\u00a0thought it would be cool to take a look at some of the most iconic signs around the United States and each state in particular.<\/p>\n
While we found many iconic and well known signs, we found just as many that are well known locally but are probably unknown on a national level. This doesn’t diminish their importance, it only makes it all the more fun to read about them!\u00a0Some of these signs are tied to their famous landmarks and others stand alone. We think it’s a pretty cool way (in a geeky sign kinda way) to show the diversity of the country and hope you enjoy the most famous signs in each of the 50 United States.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Alabama – Civil Rights Memorial<\/b><\/p>\n Dedicated in 1989, the <\/span>Civil Rights Memorial<\/span><\/a> in Montgomery is a sign\/monument to those who gave their lives during the Civil Rights Movement that occurred in mid-1900s. There are 41 names on the memorial including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The memorial is open to visitors 24\/7 and tours are available during the day.<\/span><\/p>\n Alaska – Ketchikan, Salmon Capital of the World<\/b><\/p>\n Just like the sign above says, <\/span>Ketchikan<\/span><\/a> is known as the Salmon Capital of the World. It is also nicknamed Alaska\u2019s 1st City and the Rain Capital of Alaska. Right on the ocean and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the area is filled with rivers and streams which are home to salmon who return seven years later to the same place they were born.<\/span><\/p>\n Arizona – Grand Canyon<\/b><\/p>\n One of the most unique natural landmarks in the United States is found in Arizona. It stretches up to <\/span>18 miles wide and a mile deep<\/span><\/a>, it is the Grand Canyon. As shown in the sign above, the Grand Canyon is federally protected as a National Park. It was first established as a forest reserve in 1893 before becoming a national monument and then eventually named a National Park in 1919. According to the <\/span>National Parks Service<\/span><\/a>, the Grand Canyon has around 5 million visitors every year.<\/span><\/p>\n Arkansas – Wal-Mart Headquarters<\/b><\/p>\n Although it is one of most recognizable signs in today\u2019s world, the main Walmart sign is housed in Bentonville, Arkansas at Walmart headquarters. The first <\/span>Walmart<\/span><\/a> opened up in Rogers, AK in 1962 by founder, Sam Walton. In just over 50 years the company has gone from a small variety store to one of the most well-known and valued companies in the world. As of May 2016, <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a> valued Walmart at 215.7 billion dollars and #1 in sales.<\/span><\/p>\n California – Hollywood<\/b><\/p>\n One of the most iconic signs in the United States is the Hollywood Sign just outside of Los Angeles, California. The <\/span>sign is over 90 years old<\/span><\/a> and has had quite a history. When it was originally put up in 1923 it was only supposed to last for a year and a half. After much wear and tear the sign found itself in need of repair in the 1970s. The residents who lived near the sign <\/span>lobbied<\/span><\/a> to protect the sign and it ended up becoming a monument in 1973. Once protected by law, a trust was created and money raised to protect the landmark. In 1978 a new version of the sign was unveiled. The sign is now maintained, protected, and stands as a unique view over the valley it sits atop of.<\/span><\/p>\n Colorado – Mile High Stadium<\/b><\/p>\n Although the official name of the stadium is currently <\/span>Sports Authority Field at Mile High<\/span><\/a> as shown on the sign, it is commonly referred to as Mile High Stadium or Mile High. The name is associated with the elevation of the stadium at 5,280 feet above sea level. The stadium is home to the NFL\u2019s Denver Broncos football team and opened in 2001. The Broncos previously played 50 feet away in a stadium named Mile High Stadium which no longer exists yet the name has carried over to the new venue. The capacity for football is set at just over 76,000 but an additional 50,000 can be accommodated for events such as concerts.<\/span><\/p>\n Connecticut – New Haven<\/b><\/p>\n At stated on New Haven\u2019s city sign, in 1638 it was first settled by a group of Puritans as Quinnipiac and later renamed <\/span>New Haven<\/span><\/a>. The town was invaded by the British during the Revolutionary War but received little damage. It\u2019s first mayor, Roger Sherman, holds a unique place in United States history as the only individual to sign all of the major founding documents of the country including the Articles of Association, the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation and the Declaration of Independence. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Delaware – 1st State<\/b><\/p>\n Just as the welcome sign to state reads, <\/span>Delaware<\/span><\/a> is nicknamed the First State. Delaware was the first colony out of the original 13 states to ratify the United States Constitution on December 7, 1787. Other nicknames for the state include Small Wonder, Blue Hen State, and the Diamond State.<\/span><\/p>\n Florida – Universal Studios Orlando<\/b><\/p>\n A popular vacation spot in Florida is Universal Studios Theme Park which is easily recognized by its entrance sign, a giant globe with Universal across it. Originally opened in 1990 the park has changed quite a bit over its 26+ years of operation. Original rides were created with help by famous movie man Steven Spielberg, including rides based on King Kong and Back to the Future. It is owned by NBCUniversal (Comcast) however it features popular elements of other movie studios including The Simpsons, Transformers, and Shrek. One of the newest additions to the park is that of Harry Potter.<\/span><\/p>\n Georgia – Ebenezer Baptist Church<\/b><\/p>\n One of the top tourist destination of Georgia is the <\/span>Ebenezer Baptist Church<\/span><\/a> where civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pastor. Dr. King\u2019s relationship to the church goes back to his grandfather and father who were <\/span>both pastors<\/span><\/a> of the church as well. This is the place of Dr. King\u2019s baptism, his ordination as a minister, and his funeral in 1968. It became a historical site in 1980 along with nearby buildings, including his childhood home, that were significant to his life. In 2001, the building underwent two phases of renovations to preserve the structure. One of these two phases included the lighting in the church\u2019s sign which was turned on for the first time since 1990.<\/span><\/p>\n Hawai\u2019i – North Shore<\/b><\/p>\n Hawai\u2019i\u2019s North Shore is one of the <\/span>premier<\/span><\/a> surfing destinations in Hawai\u2019i and the island of O\u2019ahu as depicted on the community\u2019s entrance sign. It is also nicknamed the \u201csurfing mecca.\u201d According to the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau more than 3.5 millions visitors visit North Shore during their trip to the state.<\/span><\/p>\n Idaho – Idaho Potato Museum<\/b><\/p>\n Idaho is known for its famous potatoes. In Blackfoot, Idaho there is even a <\/span>museum<\/span><\/a> dedicated to the famous food. In front of the museum is a giant potato which happens to be the museum\u2019s sign, a giant potato\u00a0with butter and sour cream are included with any pictures. Inside the museum you\u2019ll find the world\u2019s largest potato crisp made by Pringles and be able to learn all the facts you never knew about taters.<\/span><\/p>\n Illinois – Wrigley Field<\/b><\/p>\n Wrigley Field is home to MLB\u2019s Chicago Cubs baseball team. The ballpark was built in 1914 and is known as one of the most historic venues in all of sports. It is the oldest ballpark in the National League and 2nd oldest in Major League Baseball. It\u2019s known for its ivy covered outfield wall and the iconic sign outside the main entrance. It\u2019s named after famous Wrigley chewing gum company founder and former Cubs owner, William Wrigley Jr.<\/span><\/p>\n Indiana – Play Like A Champion Today<\/b><\/p>\n If you were to play football in Notre Dame Stadium and walked from the home team\u2019s locker room to the the tunnel on the field you\u2019d pass through a stairwell that has a <\/span>famous sign<\/span><\/a> above it. Since 1986 the Notre Dame football team has run onto the field and touched this sign that reads \u201cPlay Like A Champion Today.\u201d The sign was placed there after former coach Lou Holtz came across a photo of the sign in a book and had a recreation placed in the stairwell.<\/span><\/p>\n Iowa – Field of Dreams<\/b><\/p>\n The 1989 Academy Award nominee film, <\/span> Field of Dreams, has a special place in Iowa, the setting for the movie. The history of the film goes back to 1987 when a knock came to the door of farmer, Don Lansing, to gauge his interest in letting his farm be host to a movie production on a film about baseball. Over the next few months the Lansing Family Farm turned into a movie set and is now a landmark in Iowa for people to come and visit.<\/span><\/p>\n Kansas – Midway USA<\/b><\/p>\n Halfway between New York and San Francisco is Kinsley, Kansas nicknamed <\/span>Midway USA<\/span><\/a>. At the crossroad of U.S. 50 and 56 is placed a sign point in opposing directions listing both New York and San Francisco as 1,561 miles away. The nickname was earned in 1939 when Kinsley was featured on the cover of <\/span>Saturday Evening Post<\/span><\/i> with cars going in different directions referencing New York and San Francisco.<\/span><\/p>\n Kentucky – Churchill Downs<\/b><\/p>\n One of the most iconic signs in Kentucky features the name of the venue and is hung above one of, if not the most famous, horse racetrack in the world, <\/span>Churchill Downs<\/span>. Its history dates back to the late 1700s when the first race course was laid out in Lexington. But almost 90 years later was when Churchill Downs officially opened its gates and became home of the annual Kentucky Derby.<\/span><\/p>\n Louisiana – Bourbon Street<\/b><\/p>\n In the middle of <\/span>New Orleans<\/span><\/a>\u2019 oldest and famous neighborhood, the French Quarter, runs Bourbon Street. The street is also referred to on street signs with its French name, Rue Bourbon. New Orleans is one of the oldest cities in America and Bourbon Street dates back to 1798. The street is a hotbed for Mardi Gras, nightlife, bars, and tourists with its unique culture and French influence.<\/span><\/p>\n Maine – Portland Head Light<\/b><\/p>\n In colonial times the town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine put a group of soldiers at Portland Head to provide a warning system for any potential British attacks. In 1787 construction of a lighthouse began and Congress provided additional funds in 1790 for its completion. The lighthouse was lit for the first time in January 1791 and continued to be lit with oil lamps until 1989 when it became automated.<\/span><\/p>\n Maryland – Fort McHenry<\/b><\/p>\n During the Revolutionary War the citizens of Baltimore feared an attack from the British and quickly put up a fort. Although the fort was never attacked it led to the construction of a more permanent structure in 1809 known as Fort McHenry. In 1812 the United States went to war with Britain and in September of that year the British attacked the fort. This attack resulted in the composition of \u201cThe Star Spangled Banner.\u201d As shown by the sign, the fort was designated as a National Monument in 1939.<\/span><\/p>\n Massachusetts – Plymouth Rock<\/b><\/p>\n In 1620 the first landing party of pilgrims landed in present day Plymouth, Massachusetts. The traditional marking place of this event is a giant stone known as Plymouth Rock. There isn\u2019t any historical evidence that this is the actual rock that the pilgrims first landed on. Although in 1741 there was a claim by a man named Thomas Faunce who was 94 at the time, that his father who first came to Plymouth in 1623 assured him that the rock was indeed the exact location of the pilgrims\u2019 landing. The stone has endured hundreds of years of damage and is estimated to be \u00bd the original size but it still can be sign as a sign with 1620 carved into it as shown above.<\/span><\/p>\n Michigan – Ford Motor Company Original Headquarters<\/b><\/p>\n The Motor City is known for the vehicles it has produced over the last 100 years. In 1903 Henry Ford created the <\/span>Ford Motor Company<\/span><\/a> in Detroit. From its beginnings of the Model A to the Model T to the Mustang, the company has lasted as one of the largest family owned and operated businesses in the world. Although the company quickly outgrew its original factory and moved to bigger facilities, the <\/span>Mack Avenue plant<\/span><\/a> is still a historic icon.<\/span><\/p>\n Minnesota – Mall of America<\/b><\/p>\n One of the most famous tourist spots in Minnesota is the Mall of America, the largest mall in the United States. The mall was built starting in the late 1980s and first opened its doors in 1992. It resides on land that previously hosted the Metropolitan Stadium for football and baseball before it was demolished in the \u201880s. The mall is home to more than 500 stores and brings in over 2 billion dollars of revenue every year. Under the iconic entrance sign more than 40 million visitors walk through doors into the mall every year.<\/span><\/p>\n Mississippi – Blues Trail<\/b><\/p>\n There isn\u2019t one particular sign that should be focused on in Mississippi, but rather a group of signs. On the Mississippi Blues Trail you\u2019ll find markers that share stories and photos of musicians that have had an impact on that particular genre. The majority of these markers are found throughout the state although the trail has extended to a few spots out of the state as well.<\/span><\/p>\n Missouri – Gateway Arch<\/b><\/p>\n What first began in the 1930s as the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial under the National Park Service has led to an iconic part of St. Louis. The Gateway Arch was formed in the 1960s from the idea of a memorial to help revive the area and remember the nation\u2019s expansion westward. The Gateway Arch as shown in the plaque was dedicated by President Johnson to the American people.<\/span><\/p>\n Montana – Glacier National Park<\/b><\/p>\n Along the top border of the United States in the state of Montana and continuing into Canada is the 10th U.S. National Park, <\/span>Glacier National Park<\/span><\/a>. Behind the park\u2019s entrance sign you can see the snow-filled mountain peaks which are home to massive glaciers. Although the park received its protected status in 1920 there is evidence of human interaction with the park going back 10,000 years ago. There are currently 25 active glaciers in the park.<\/span><\/p>\n Nebraska – Chimney Rock<\/b><\/p>\n Nebraska is home to one of the most iconic and famous landmarks on the trails used during westward expansion in the United States. <\/span>Chimney Rock<\/span> is found on the edge of the North Platte River Valley and is is easily recognizable and seen for miles around. It became a national historic site in the mid-1950s. The rock pillar rises up 325 feet from its base and is made from volcanic ash and clay dating back over 20 million years.<\/span><\/p>\n Nevada – Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas<\/b><\/p>\n Driving North on Las Vegas Boulevard towards the Vegas strip you\u2019ll be sure to pass by the iconic \u201c<\/span>Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada<\/span><\/a>\u201d sign. Interestingly, the sign isn\u2019t within the city limits of Las Vegas but rather the city of Paradise. The sign was designed by Betty Willis and placed in 1959. The design was never copyrighted and is now public domain, so you\u2019ll see the design on many souvenirs. The original sign was replicated twice in other parts of the city and another time for a nearby airport. People are able to own an actual souvenir from the sign and <\/span>purchase a lightbulb <\/span><\/a>with all proceeds going to charity.<\/span><\/p>\n New Hampshire – Portsmouth<\/b><\/p>\n Portsmouth<\/span><\/a> prides itself on being one of the three oldest cities in the United States. It was first settled in 1630 and became a town in 1653. The town was a refuge for exiled Puritans out of Massachusetts. Paul Revere rode up to Portsmouth to warn that the British were coming in the middle of the 1770s. The father of the American Navy, John Paul Jones, had his ship built in Portsmouth as well.<\/span><\/p>\n New Jersey – Atlantic City<\/b><\/p>\n Atlantic City, New Jersey is a prominent vacation spot for people in the Northeast as well as tourists from across the country. The <\/span>first boardwalk in America<\/span><\/a> was built in Atlantic City. The city located on Absecon Island quickly became a popular destination in the 1800s after the boardwalk was built. People would come to the beaches and luxurious hotels. In the middle of the 20th century the popularity died down until the late 70s when gambling was introduced and revitalized the area.<\/span><\/p>\n New Mexico – Carlsbad Caverns<\/b><\/p>\n Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most famous caves in the United States. It became a <\/span>National Park in 1930<\/span><\/a>. The caves\u2019 main cavern is more than <\/span>30 miles in length<\/span><\/a>, 3 of which are open to visitors of the cave. The park itself is 73 square miles and includes 83 individual caves.<\/span><\/p>\n New York – Radio City Music Hall<\/b><\/p>\n New York is home to many popular and iconic landmarks. One of the most recognizable landmarks is the <\/span>Radio City Music Hall<\/span><\/a> and its bright neon sign. The music hall was built in the early 1930s and has been home to many events throughout its life. Some of those events have included the Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, MTV Music Awards, and NFL Draft. The hall has a capacity of just over 6,000.<\/span><\/p>\n North Carolina – Wright Brothers Memorial<\/b><\/p>\n The most famous sign in North Carolina is the birthplace of flight. A giant tower at Kill Devil Hills has the names of the <\/span>Wright Brothers<\/span><\/a>, Wilbur and Orville, carved into stone. The brothers came from Dayton, Ohio for the steady winds and experimented with airplanes for 4 years until the first successful airplane flight took place on December 17, 1903.<\/span><\/p>\n North Dakota – Theodore Roosevelt National Park<\/b><\/p>\n Another famous National Park is <\/span>![\"Courtesy:](\"https:\/\/www.signs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/civil-rights.png\")
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