In the late 1800s, the upmarket residential LA neighborhood known as the Hollywood Hills was little more that ridgelined scrubland. Dirt tracks crisscrossed the meandering landscape, connecting a few scattered properties. But within 20 years or so, this otherwise picturesque but unremarkable region had been transformed into an exclusive property development known as Hollywoodland.
The burgeoning motion picture industry helped put the Hollywood Hills firmly on the celebrity map. Rising above this illustrious hillside refuge is the iconic Hollywood Sign, symbolic of the prestige and glamour associated with one of LA's most fashionable and high-end pockets of real estate.
In this gallery, we explore the history of the Hollywood Hills and meet some of pioneering names responsible for creating what's been described as a "peaceful country environment above the city." Click on to continue reading.