Patriotic Covers

Patriotic covers are envelopes used during periods of national conflict with pre-printed or hand-drawn slogans or illustrations.

According to L.B. Rothchilde,during the Civil War, "Families and friends wrote to their soldiers and the mail was delivered to them in the field whenever it was possible. Their deep rooted patriotism was made known through what we now refer to as 'patriotic covers,' envelopes with patriotic themes and phrases that were printed on the front. This idea originated in the North and soon became very popular."

The U.S. Postal History Blog says, "95% or more of the patriotic covers that exist today were printed between 1861-65. It is believed that no fewer than 7,500 and perhaps as many as 10,000 designs exist."

To learn more about patriotic covers, click here.

Happy 4th of July!