"Fourth of July Greetings," circa 1910

In 1898, the United States Post Office reduced the cost of mailing privately printed postcards to one cent. As postcards caught the public's fancy in the first decade of the 20th century, these cards blossomed with colorful images, humorous messages, or holiday greetings. Colorful, printed Fourth of July postcards often depicted flags, fireworks, and scenes of Independence Day celebrations.