The Postcard

A postcard is a small, flat card that you can send through the mail. One side usually has a picture, and the other side has space for a message and an address. You do not need an envelope to mail a postcard.

The History of Postcards

The first official postcards were introduced in Austria in 1869. They were plain cards without pictures. People liked them because they were cheaper and faster to send than letters.

Picture postcards became popular in the early 1900s. Tourists started sending postcards with photos of the places they visited. Collecting postcards became a popular hobby around the world.

Postcards Today

People still send postcards when they go on vacation. A postcard lets your friends and family see a picture of where you are. Writing and sending a postcard is a fun way to share your trip.

Some people collect postcards from different places. Old postcards can show what cities and buildings looked like long ago. Even in the age of texting and email, getting a postcard in the mail feels special.

Fun Facts

• The first postcards were sent in Austria in 1869.
• The most expensive postcard ever sold went for over $45,000.
• During the early 1900s, postcards were as popular as texting is today.

Did You Know?

Some people have collections of thousands of postcards from countries all over the world. This hobby is called deltiology.