History of Street Name Signs
Street name signs are an essential part of daily navigation. They guide drivers, pedestrians, and emergency services with clear and reliable information. But their history stretches back far beyond our modern road systems, evolving over centuries to become the standardized signage we depend on today.
In this month’s blog, we’re discussing the history of street name signs and how National Sign and Signal has the premiere design you’re looking for today.
Ancient Rome
The earliest known street name signs appeared in ancient Rome, where milestones were used to indicate distance and direction along major roads. These stone columns helped travelers know how far they were from Rome and from nearby towns, ultimately laying the foundation for directional signage as we know it.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, roads were often named after the cities or towns they led to. At busy intersections, hand-carved wooden signs might be placed to guide travelers on foot or horseback.
While simple, these were the first known signs to name the street itself and marked an early effort to communicate on public roads.
19th Century
With the rise of bicycles in the late 1800s, the first wave of safety-oriented signage came along. These signs notified riders of a general danger ahead, like steep hills or sharp curves.
So at this point, alongside just the name of the road and the sense of where you were going, travelers could feel safer on the roads after seeing a warning sign.
Early 20th Century
The invention and rapid spread of automobiles sparked an urgent need for systematic road signage. Cities and towns began installing standardized street name signs to help drivers navigate complex road networks.
Instead of just one road that would stretch across multiple cities, there were countless sprawling all over inside a smaller area. Streets were named and signs were placed so drivers knew where they were.
Modern Era: Why Choose National Sign and Signal Street Name Signs?
Today’s street name signs are a product of decades of engineering, design, and global collaboration. Standards have been developed for size, color, font, reflectivity, and placement.
At National Sign & Signal we carry forward this rich tradition with cutting-edge materials, reflective technologies, and design expertise to deliver street name signs that meet federal and local standards while ensuring long-lasting performance.
Contact us today to learn how your city or county can upgrade its signage with street name signs trusted by governments nationwide.
