When deciphering US addresses, you’ve likely encountered two-letter abbreviations for states. If you’re wondering “What State Is Mi?”, the answer is Michigan. But the story behind these abbreviations is more than just quick shorthand. It’s a tale rooted in postal efficiency and technological evolution.
The introduction of the ZIP Code system by the U.S. Post Office Department in 1963 was the primary catalyst for these two-letter state abbreviations. Early addressing technology in the 1960s had limitations. Machines could only handle a maximum of 23 characters on the address’s bottom line, including spaces. This constraint meant that to accommodate the new five-digit ZIP Code, state names had to be significantly shortened.
Initially, in June 1963, the Post Office Department released a set of state abbreviations. However, many of these were still three or four letters long, which didn’t solve the character limit problem effectively. By October of the same year, a more concise solution was adopted: the two-letter abbreviations we recognize today. This streamlined system allowed for the ZIP Code to be included without exceeding the addressing equipment’s limitations.
Interestingly, the two-letter abbreviation system has remained remarkably stable. Only one change has been made since its inception in 1963. In 1969, the abbreviation for Nebraska was changed from NB to NE. This adjustment was made at the request of the Canadian postal administration to prevent confusion with the abbreviation for New Brunswick, a Canadian province.
While the two-letter abbreviations are now standard, it’s worth noting that postal abbreviations have evolved over time. Historically, much longer abbreviations were used. As early as 1831, shorter forms were in use, evolving through 1874 and 1943, as reflected in postal guides and publications of those eras. The move to two-letter abbreviations in the 1960s was a significant step towards modernization and efficiency in mail processing, driven by the need to integrate ZIP Codes.
For anyone needing to decipher other state abbreviations or explore the full list, including those for U.S. territories and possessions, the USPS provides a comprehensive online resource. This detailed list builds upon the historical abbreviations and ensures accurate mail delivery across the United States and its territories. Understanding the “what state is MI” question is just the beginning of appreciating the history and practicalities of the US postal addressing system.
