What State is MS? Decoding US Postal Abbreviations

Understanding postal abbreviations is crucial for correctly addressing mail within the United States. You might come across two-letter abbreviations and wonder, “What State Is Ms?” This article will clarify this common abbreviation, delve into the history of state abbreviations, and provide context for their use in the US postal system.

The abbreviation MS stands for Mississippi. This is the official two-letter postal abbreviation designated by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the state of Mississippi.

The need for standardized state abbreviations arose with the introduction of the five-digit ZIP Code on July 1, 1963. Prior to this, the Post Office Department, as it was then known, preferred state names to be written out in full to avoid confusion. However, early addressing equipment had limitations, accommodating only 23 characters on the bottom line of an address. To efficiently incorporate the new ZIP Codes, state names needed to be shortened significantly.

In June 1963, an initial list of state abbreviations was released. Many of these were still three or four letters long, proving insufficient for the space constraints. By October 1963, the Post Office Department finalized the current two-letter abbreviations we use today. This standardization ensured that addresses could be processed efficiently with the new ZIP Codes, streamlining mail delivery across the nation.

The table below illustrates how state abbreviations have evolved over time, culminating in the two-letter system we recognize today. Notice how Mississippi’s abbreviation changed from “Mi.” in 1831 to “Miss.” in later years before settling on “MS” in 1963.

Understanding that “MS” represents Mississippi ensures your mail will be correctly routed within the United States. For a comprehensive list of all current US state and territory abbreviations, you can visit the official USPS website. This knowledge is not only helpful for addressing mail but also provides a glimpse into the historical evolution of postal practices in the US.