At some point, you may have walked past a post-mounted mailbox and wondered if there was still any use for them, especially now that emails are incredibly prominent. It might come as a surprise, but mailboxes are still considered to be an important part of life.
What makes post-mounted mailboxes – or even mail itself – incredibly important is that they're physical documents that are much safer to keep compared to emails; after all, digital documents could easily be deleted or removed without you even knowing/noticing!
As such, it's crucial for all adults to understand more about the importance of the post-mounted mailbox – and all it entails. Below are a couple of mailbox facts that might help quench your curiosity:
All Mailboxes Are Historical
Mailboxes in the United States took shape alongside the growth of mail service itself.
In cities, door slots and wall-mounted mailboxes were ultra-common through the 1800s. However, the true curbside, post-mounted mailbox spread with Rural Free Delivery, piloted in 1896 and expanded nationally in the early 1900s, allowing farmers to receive mail without the need to travel to town.
To make rural delivery even safer and more efficient, the Post Office pushed for durable roadside mailboxes that carriers could reach from a wagon or car; by 1915, postal engineer Roy J. Joroleman introduced the rounded-top, flat-bottom mailbox design that became the American standard for decades and decades.
As automobiles, suburbs, and homebuilding boomed in the mid-20th century, the post-mounted mailbox became a familiar part of the American streetscape. Standardized sizes and placement guidelines kept delivery super predictable, while materials evolved from thin sheet metal that warped to heavier-gauge steel and aluminum.
In recent years, changing shopping habits and concerns about package theft have sparked new post-mount mailbox designs with larger capacities and locking compartments. These modern designs blend security and style while preserving the everyday function that made mailboxes an icon of home life in the first place.
Modern Mailbox Maintenance
Even the best post-mount mailbox needs a TLC routine to stay smooth, secure, and looking new.
Give the door, latch, and hinges a quick check every few weeks; tighten any loose screws and add a tiny drop of lubricant if the hinge starts to squeak or feel stiff. Wipe the mailbox's exterior with a soft cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and road grime, and touch up chips promptly to prevent surface rust from spreading.
Make a seasonal sweep part of your curb-appeal routine. Look for signs of moisture inside the mailbox, clear out cobwebs or insect nests, and ensure the door closes snugly to keep weather and pests out. For a step-by-step mailbox refresh, see Post & Porch’s guide on how to clean your modern mailbox and keep it looking new.
Benjamin Franklin Helped Bring Mailboxes Into Existence
Benjamin Franklin didn’t invent the residential mailbox, but he did lay the groundwork for a reliable postal system.
As Philadelphia’s postmaster in 1737 and later the colonies’ Deputy Postmaster General, he mapped faster routes, set up postal milestones, standardized rates, and introduced night riders to speed delivery. In 1775, he became the first Postmaster General of the United States, helping transform a patchwork of couriers into an organized service the public could trust.
The household mailbox came much later. Door slots and wall-mount mailboxes were common in cities during the 1800s, and the familiar curbside, post-mounted mailbox spread with Rural Free Delivery at the turn of the 20th century. Franklin’s reforms made dependable delivery possible; later innovations brought that service right to the end of the driveway.
Manufacturing Modern Mailboxes
Most post-mount mailboxes are built from stainless steel for long service life. Steel offers strength and weight that resists dents, then gets protected with a rust-inhibiting base coat and a durable powder-coat finish.
Your local post office doesn’t sell mailboxes.
The USPS sets size and placement standards, and reputable manufacturers design to those specs, then label products accordingly. You can find compliant, high-quality mailbox options at hardware stores or order directly online.
Post & Porch mailboxes are designed and built in the USA in Utah, combining heavy-gauge metal, precision fabrication, and a powder-coat finish that keeps your curb appeal looking crisp for years.
The Bottom Line: What Else Is There To Know?
Aside from the listed facts and quirks mentioned above, there are still quite a few questions behind post-mounted mailboxes. However, all you really need to understand is that mailboxes serve a clear purpose and add an aesthetic to your front lawn! By investing in a modern mailbox, you’re sure to spruce up your home and ensure the security of your mail.
Are you looking for a modern mailbox to install in front of your home?
Post & Porch is a business that aims to enhance an important, yet often forgotten, part of your home’s exterior: the modern mailbox. We provide customized address plaques, front porch planters, mailboxes, and mailbox numbers.
Browse through our products and see if any of our designs fit your curb appeal vibe!