A Brief History of Street Signs (and Why We Love Them)

Street signs. We pass by hundreds of them every day -- guiding us, grounding us, and pointing us home. But where did they come from, and why do they stir up such powerful emotions when we see one with the name of our city, our street?

Let’s take a quick journey through the history of street signs — and how they’ve evolved into more than just functional markers. Today, they’re symbols of city pride, personal memories, and home.

The Origins: From the Roman Empire to Modern Streets

The first "street signs" date back to the Roman Empire. Roads were marked with carved stones noting distances and destinations, helping travelers and merchants find their way. These ancient signs weren’t just practical — they were a show of civilization and order.

Fast forward to the early 20th century in the U.S., cities began adopting their own styles of signage. As cars became common, street signs shifted from simple wood or painted markers to standardized metal signs. By the 1930s, organizations like the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHO) pushed for consistent signage, which is why modern street signs all share similar fonts, colors, and shapes.

Function Meets Identity

While street signs were designed to be read at high speeds and withstand the elements, they started to take on an identity of their own.

Think of the blue of a Los Angeles street sign. Or the serif font of Boston’s traditional markers. Each sign doesn’t just tell you where you are — it tells you what the place is. It carries the flavor of the city.

For many, these signs are tied to powerful memories: walking to school, driving through your first neighborhood, your first apartment in the city, or the street you raised your kids on. These signs aren't just markers — they're memory holders.

That’s Where Signz Comes In

At Signz, we wanted to take that emotional connection — and make it personal.

We handcraft ultra-realistic, fully customizable street signs based on cities across the U.S., using real 5052 aluminum and outdoor-rated vinyl. Each design features authentic city logos, fonts, and colors — the same ones that define your city’s character.

And because these signs are built to last, they’re perfect as a gift, décor for your home or office, or simply a reminder of the place that made you you.

From Roads to Rooms: Signs as Personal Art

What started as a necessity for drivers has become a deeply personal art form. Street signs today are more than traffic tools — they’re symbols of identity, nostalgia, and pride.

At Signz, we’re proud to bring a piece of that history and that emotion into your home.

Because no matter where life takes you, your city is a part of your story