History & Oddities
The fascinating stories behind postal codes — famous ZIPs, the Mr. ZIP mascot, military mail, and the future of addressing.
Famous ZIP Codes: From 90210 to 10001
Some ZIP codes are more famous than the cities they represent. From Beverly Hills to the White House, these codes are cultural icons.
Mr. ZIP: The Mascot That Sold a Nation on Postal Codes
In 1963, the USPS needed Americans to adopt ZIP codes. Their secret weapon: a cartoon mailman named Mr. ZIP.
Military ZIP Codes: Mail Across Oceans
APO, FPO, and DPO codes bring mail to troops stationed around the world. Here's how military mail works.
The Strangest ZIP Codes in America
A ZIP code for Santa Claus, one for a single skyscraper, and one that changes states — these are America's oddest codes.
How Other Countries Invented Postal Codes
Germany in 1941, the UK in 1959, the US in 1963 — the parallel invention of postal codes tells a story of modernization.
ZIP Codes and Privacy: What Your Code Reveals
Your ZIP code reveals more about you than you might think — from income to political leanings. The privacy implications are significant.
The Future of Postal Addressing
GPS coordinates, what3words, and Plus Codes challenge traditional postal codes. Will ZIP codes survive?