7 Ways Direct Mail Has Changed History (1750 BC to Present)

With such a long and diverse past, it’s easy to overlook some of the major advancements and accomplishments direct mail has achieved throughout its history.

From individual letters carved in stone to the mass production we see today, direct mail has made its mark on our world that no other marketing medium has ever done – or likely ever will again. 

1.) 1750 BC – Letter from Nanni to Ea-nasier

This clay tablet is one of history’s oldest remaining letters still available today. The contents of this Old Babylonian letter reveal Nanni’s complaints about the poor grade of copper ore that he received.

Standing 4.5 inches tall by 1.9 inches wide, this letter was written in cuneiform and discovered in Ur, Iraq. 

As one of the world’s oldest remaining letters, this artifact is now on display in the British Museum in London serving as a reminder that poor reviews will always stand the test of time. 

2.) 1440 – Gutenberg Printing Press

Invented by Johannes Gutenberg, the Gutenberg Press changed print manufacturing for the better.

Born in the 14^th century in Mainz Germany, Gutenberg created a mechanism capable of mass production of literature, including books, newspapers, and direct mail. 

The invention pushed paper onto an inked printing block to transfer ink onto the paper and produce multiple identical copies of books and other forms of literature. 

Most books and manuscripts prior to the Gutenberg Press were hand-written, often by scribes, monks, or other church officials. Most of these works were based on commission, so very few could afford them. The length and artistry also factored into the time it took to produce each document. While a work of art, the Book of Kells took 75 years to produce, and other handwritten books were only available to the very elite at the time. 

As books became more prevalent with the help of the Gutenberg Press, literacy and education became far more accessible to those outside of high society. Slowly but surely, direct mail became a more accessible – and cheaper – option for companies looking to advertise. 

3.) The 1840 Penny Black

While the stamp itself was only valid after May 6^th, 1840, one famous letter addressed to “Wm Blenkinsop Esquire” was sent on May 2, 1840.

With this new form of payment, the mailing process became much more refined and easier to implement nationwide. The stamp became so popular that several are still available for purchase for the avid stamp collector, as an estimated 5% of the 68 million printed copies still exist today.

Related: The Top 5 Most Notable Stamps in Direct Mail History

4.) July 26, 1775 – USPS Founded

Even from the very beginning, the US thrived with an efficient mailing system for its citizens.

Established on July 26, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, USPS continuously provides mailing and shipping services across the nation even to this day. 

As the first postmaster general, Benjamin Franklin was quick to improve the current US postal system. He researched postal routes, cut delivery times, and used his status to help efforts during the U.S. Revolution.

Located in Philadelphia, the B. Free Franklin Post Office is the only post office that does not fly an American flag. This is because there was no flag when Benjamin Franklin was appointed Postmaster General in 1775.

Related: The Evolution – And Future – of Direct Mail Marketing

5.) November 8^th, 1958 – Shipping the Hope Diamond

Valued at over $350 million today, the Hope Diamond’s history falls into that of legend. Despite its mysterious past, the diamond was sent to its final home at the Smithsonian through USPS, where it remains on display to this day. 

Jeweler Harry Winston sent the diamond on a first-class journey spanning over 200 miles from New York City to Washington D.C. The total amount of shipping was the $145.29 mailing price and an insurance fee of $1 million (over $10 million in 2024).

The diamond was delivered on Monday, November 11 at the Old City Post Office, later to become the National Postal Museum.  The packaging is proudly on display there for anyone interested in the bizarre nature of transporting one of the world’s most expensive package. 

Related: Direct Mail: Top 2025 USPS Tech Innovations to Look Out For

6.) 1982 – “Snail Mail” Terminology

The phrase “Snail Mail” was not used colloquially until the 1990s when the surge of electronic mail (e-mail) rose to popularity. The first electronic mail message was sent by Ray Tomlinson  in 1971. 

Supposedly the phrase was first coined in Lowell Sun in 1942, but “snail mail” only became a common phrase as a rival to e-mail. The phrase refers to the time it takes mail to reach its destination, inferring that it is at a snail’s pace. 

Although the average slow speed of a snail is around 0.03 mph, today’s modern USPS system is anything but! A shipment from Los Angeles, for example, can reach New York City in a matter of 2-3 days – over 2,400 miles! 

Related: Marketing Emails: The Good, The Bad, and the Undeliverable

7.) Jan 22, 2024 – USPS Electric Vehicles

As of this year, USPS will be rolling out over 66,000 USPS electric vehicles across the country. This initiative is part of the USPS 10-year Delivering for America plan, a $40 billion investment toward improving the nationwide postal service. 

These vehicles will launch as pilot programs in Georgia and expand into other regions throughout this year. Over 400 Sorting and Delivery Centers (S&DC) are to be converted to accommodate these new electric vehicles along the local delivery routes. 

Related: Informed Delivery | What Businesses & Customers Need to Know