For centuries, humans have used pigeons to carry messages. The earliest known use was by the ancient Persians and Romans. The 19th century saw a big boost in using homing pigeons for messages. This became known as the “pigeon post.”
This unique form of communication was very popular. Stockbrokers, financiers, and governments used it a lot. It was before the time of telegraphs. During the Siege of Paris in the Franco-Prussian War, the pigeon post was a vital link for communication in and out of the city.
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Key Takeaways
- Pigeons have been used as messengers for thousands of years, with the pigeon post becoming prominent in the 19th century.
- The pigeon post was used extensively by stockbrokers, financiers, and governments before modern communication technologies.
- The pigeon post played a crucial role during the Siege of Paris in the Franco-Prussian War, serving as a lifeline for communication.
- Pigeons were trained to carry messages and could travel long distances, with some records of pigeons making 48-mile passages in about an hour.
- The pigeon post service was not always profitable, with charges of $0.50 to $1.00 per message, and only two letters out of thousands failing to arrive.
The Pigeon Post: When Birds Became Mail Carriers (19th Century)
In the 19th century, using pigeons for messaging rose significantly. They were chosen over horseback or foot messengers because they were more reliable. Stockbrokers, financiers, and governments found pigeon post very useful. They saw the birds’ ability to find their way back home as a good way to send messages. So, during the Victorian era, using pigeons to send mail was very important.
Ancient Persians and Romans used pigeon post long ago. Even Frontinus, around 2000 years ago, wrote about how Julius Caesar used pigeons in Gaul. By the 19th century, the idea of using pigeons for mail had caught on. For example, in 1851, Paul Julius Reuter set up a system to send stock market news between London and Paris.
Pigeon post was more than a cool idea. It was crucial, especially in emergencies. Countries made laws to protect message pigeons during war. They even gave rewards for stopping birds of prey. This shows how important pigeons were for sharing information, even in dangerous times.
One of pigeon post’s biggest moments was during the Siege of Paris in 1870–71. Over four months, pigeons brought in 150,000 official messages and 1 million private ones. After this, on February 1, 1871, the pigeon post service stopped in Paris. The remaining pigeons were sold.
The Victorians loved the idea of using pigeons for mail. This shows how creative they were in making use of nature. As the 19th century ended, pigeon post paved the way for the technology we use to communicate today. And so, their contribution to communication history remains significant.
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Early History of Pigeon Post
Ancient Origins
Pigeons as messengers likely started with the ancient Persians. They taught the birds to carry messages. The technique then spread to the Romans who used them in their military. Over 2,000 years ago, these birds helped in war efforts. Greeks were next to use them, sending Olympic winners’ names across cities. In India, the Mughals relied on these pigeon post. Plus, between İskenderun and Aleppo, tradesmen used a pigeon postal service in the 17th century.
Special pigeons, known as carrier pigeons, could fly long distances fast. They can cover 500 miles in a day, flying at more than 60 mph. The use of messenger pigeons continued in Baghdad in the 12th century. Later, the Dutch government set up a pigeon post in Java and Sumatra in the early 19th century.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=thXQseoxKN8
“The Romans used pigeon messengers to aid their military over 2,000 years ago, and the Greeks used pigeons to convey the names of Olympic Games victors to their cities.”
Using birds for messages goes way back. The Persians, Romans, Greeks, and Indians all found ways to use pigeons for their needs. By sharing important news and aiding in battles, pigeons became very important. This laid the groundwork for the pigeon post’s later popularity in the 19th century and beyond.
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Rise of the Pigeon Post
In the 19th century, the use of pigeons to send messages grew. This was due to better ways to train and expand their communication routes. The idea of using pigeons to carry messages goes way back, over 2,000 years ago. Back in the 12th century, pigeons were already helping in Baghdad.
By the 19th century, a service was running between İskenderun and Aleppo using pigeons.
Before the telegraph, the pigeon post was popular for sending financial news. In the 1850s, Paul Julius Reuter flew stock prices between Aachen and Brussels using pigeons. This happened until the telegraph lines improved.
The pigeon post was a big help during the Siege of Paris from 1870 to 1871. This event increased interest in training pigeons for both war and peace. Many clubs formed in Europe where people learned to care for pigeons.
During the Siege of Paris, many messages were sent by pigeons. This included both personal notes and official messages. After the war, on February 1, 1871, the pigeon post service in Paris ended.
In World War I, pigeons were used to send important messages on the battlefield. They were used by all branches of the military because they were reliable. Pigeons were even trained to update commanders in midair, and to follow tank movements.
Special transportation units were used to move pigeons when usual communication failed. This happened when there were no phone lines or when armies moved too fast for the wires to catch up.
The United States used pigeons in WWI with great success. Pigeons like “President Wilson” and “Cher Ami” are remembered for their bravery. Cher Ami, for example, survived getting shot and still delivered a vital message, earning a bravery medal.
Statistic Value Americans move on average every five years Contrasted with pigeons, who almost never move, lending a sense of permanence to the hobby of raising homing pigeons. Pigeon racing entails releasing thousands of pigeons for races that can span up to 600 miles in distance The American Racing Pigeon Union organizes two racing seasons each year: one in spring for birds over a year old, and another in fall for young birds Some pigeon races offer cash awards for winners, with prizes reaching several thousand dollars A series of races in South Africa boasts a million-dollar purse. Pigeon breeds include varieties like pigmy pouters, oriental frills, and short-faced tumblers for show and performance Homing pigeons are specifically raised for racing home. Pigeons have been historically used in various military capacities, including carrying messages and conducting surveillance during wartime Accolades such as the Dickin Medal for animal bravery have been bestowed upon significant numbers of pigeons during the Second World War.
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The Siege of Paris and the Pigeon Post
A Lifeline During Wartime
The Siege of Paris happened during the Franco-Prussian War from 1870 to 1871. It is famous for its use of the pigeon post. Due to the siege, normal ways to communicate in and out of Paris were cut off. Pigeons became the main way to send messages into the city. People sent thousands of official and personal messages with the pigeon post. Messages were often carried by balloons taking pigeons out of Paris. They wrote notes on small pieces of paper or used microfilm to make the notes tiny and lightweight.
The Siege of Paris was a tough time for people living there. The pigeon post was key to keeping communication going. It carried almost 95,581 messages during the Siege. Messages started being sent in early November and were limited to 20 words. Although the pigeons faced tough winter weather, they managed to keep the service going. This helped the people who were trapped in the city.
During the Siege, the pigeon post made a big difference. It brought around 115,000 messages into the city using carrier pigeons. Each time, 300–400 pigeons were set free, but only 57–59 made it back. Parisians knew how important the pigeons were and didn’t hurt them. They were grateful for the pigeons bringing them news.
The pigeon post’s work during the Siege created a lasting impact. In 1906, a monument was built in Paris to honor their service. It celebrated the pigeons and the people who worked with them. The monument is at the Porte des Ternes and it shows a balloon, pigeons, and a pedestal with more pigeons on it.
During the Siege of Paris, the pigeon post showed incredible strength and smart thinking. The situation was really tough, but the pigeons kept carrying important messages. They helped lift the spirits of Parisians who were trapped. This event shows how pigeons are important in hard times for getting messages through.
“The pigeon in the Musée de la Poste’s collection was considered a hero for its role in bringing messages to Paris.”
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Training and Operations
The pigeon post was successful because of tight training and operations. It was used over 3,000 years ago to overcome issues with messengers on foot or horse. Pigeons offered a swift, more reliable way to carry messages, improving delivery times.
These pigeons were trained to find their way back from far places. They were bred from rock pigeons to be homing pigeons, making them excellent for carrying messages. By flying them out and letting them find their way back, they learned a clear path using sights.
They carried messages in small rolls of parchment on their legs. This means of delivery was thanks to their ability to sense Earth’s magnetic field, helping them fly straight home.
In the past, homing pigeons served in key moments in history. They played roles in politics, diplomacy, and war and were faster than people in sending messages. Known as “war pigeons,” they crossed enemy lines and were used by great rulers like Genghis Khan and ancient Greece.
In a modern example, India used pigeon posts until 2002. This shows their long-lasting importance in delivering messages.
The British Signal Service had a pigeon division in 1918. It included 20,000 pigeons, with staff and military personnel to support them. They could fly up to 200 miles at 30 miles per hour, aiding in war communication.
During World War I, there were also ready pigeon stations. The British Army alone had ten stations, plus support for army and cavalry units, showcasing how pigeons were deeply integrated into military strategies.
Moving the pigeons with the army was a challenge, but mobile lofts helped. These lofts could house thousands of pigeons and were essential in war operation. By 1916, they had their first active mobile loft, showing a quick adaptation to their needs.
Army signals improved with pigeon service during World War I. Because using birds was less prone to enemy attack than relying solely on technology. Pigeons proved amazingly reliable despite difficult conditions like bombings and fog.
The breeding program for the war effort was quite successful, producing thousands of pigeons. Thanks to the quick training, pigeons were carrying important messages by the age of ten weeks.
Pigeons played a significant role in battles during World War I. After the war, they were sold in auctions for private use, helping them adjust to normal, peacetime life.
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Global Impact and Decline
During the Siege of Paris, the pigeon post shined. It led to similar systems in Europe. Many countries created their own pigeon lofts and protected these birds by law. They knew pigeons were key for both military and civilian messages. Even falcons were used to mess with enemy pigeon services.
But, as communication tech like radio and telephone improved, pigeon use diminished. By the 1910s, pigeons were mainly in fortress warfare. The British Navy stopped using pigeons early in the 20th century. However, France, Germany, and Russia kept using them in large numbers at the start of World War I.
In World War I, pigeons were vital for messages. Colonel Russel’s report noted their reliability, accuracy, and resilience. Despite harsh weather and war conditions, pigeons like Cher Ami played key roles. By 1918, they numbered over 4,000 birds.
The pigeon post’s use decreased by the mid-20th century due to modern tech. The end of the passenger pigeon also hurt avian communication systems. At one time, billions of passenger pigeons lived in North America. But, their population started rapidly declining in the 19th century. The very last passenger pigeon, Martha, died in 1914 at the Cincinnati Zoo.
By the middle of the 20th century, the pigeon post was mostly gone. It was replaced by new communication tools. Despite its fall, the pigeon post’s history shows the cleverness and usefulness of pigeons. They helped people communicate for a long time.
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Legacy and Modern Applications
The use of pigeons for communication has mostly ended, yet the pigeon post’s legacy continues. Some still train and race pigeons across long distances. This keeps the tradition alive.
In 2011, the United States saw the birth of the Pigeon Post Kit by the Letter Writers Alliance. This kit lets people send letters with a plastic pigeon through the mail. It’s a modern twist on a historic method, letting people connect over long distances in a special way.
Remnants of a Bygone Era
For centuries, humans have used pigeons for messaging, reaching back to ancient times. While the major pigeon post services are gone, some projects keep their memory alive. This includes racing pigeons and inventions like the Pigeon Post Kit, showing how the history of pigeon messaging continues to inspire today.
The passenger pigeon, once abundant in North America, now symbolizes ecosystem fragility and human impact. Efforts exist to bring back this species. However, its extinction reminds us to focus on conservation and sustainable living.
In today’s digital world, the pigeon post’s memory is a nostalgic tie to the past. It shows our ancestors’ creative ways in overcoming communication hurdles. Darwin’s pigeon studies shaped his ideas on inheritance, leading to his theory of natural selection. This legacy continues to intrigue scientists and the public, reminding us of the rich history of bird messaging and its continued significance.
Native American groups are working to preserve their culture, showcasing their history and traditions. This keeps the legacy of their communities alive. The pigeon post reflects the cleverness of ancient civilizations and shows the development of human messaging over time. These avian systems remind us of their lasting impact.
Pigeon Post in Popular Culture
The pigeon post still amazes people today. It’s a unique way birds were used for messages. This method has inspired many forms of art and entertainment. Its use in media shows how important pigeon messaging has been through history.
In the hit show “Game of Thrones,” ravens bring important news, much like the pigeons used in the past. This shows how deeply we are interested in birds carrying messages.
A movie from 1940 called “The Dove” tells the story of a heroic pigeon. It was named “Billy” and carried life-saving news during a crisis. Such films remind us of the pigeons’ vital role in communication and their place in our memories.
The pigeon post is not just in movies. In the book “The Trumpet of the Swan,” a swan learns to talk using a trumpet and a pigeon messenger. This sweet story shows how birds are linked to spreading messages, even in fiction.
In art, pigeons are also a major theme. Famous works, like Picasso’s “The Dove” and Banksy’s “Balloon Girl,” honor pigeons’ symbolic importance. These pieces honor the history and connection between people and pigeons.
Cultural references keep the pigeon post alive in our memories. This is seen in movies, books, and art. The idea of birds carrying messages keeps captivating us. It ensures that the pigeon post’s story is not forgotten.
Media Representation Examples Impact Film and Television
- “Game of Thrones” (HBO)
- “The Dove” (1940)
Shows the important history of pigeon messages and how we still love the idea. Literature
- “The Trumpet of the Swan” by E.B. White
Proves how significant pigeons are as message carriers in stories. Visual Arts
- Picasso’s “The Dove”
- Banksy’s “Balloon Girl”
Highlights the past and present human-bird relationship through art.
“The pigeon post has captivated the public’s imagination, with its unique and innovative method of communication finding its way into various forms of popular culture.”
The ways pigeon post is shown in culture not only entertain but educate us. It reminds us of pigeon messaging’s historical importance. As time goes on, the role of pigeon post in our culture will remain. It ensures that the memory of these special birds is saved for the future.
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Conclusion
The pigeon post, using homing pigeons to send messages, was key before modern tech. Originating in ancient times, it peaked in the 19th century. This was highlighted during the Siege of Paris in 1870–71.
Pigeons were trained carefully for this. The system spread worldwide but later declined. Even though pigeon post use has dropped, its impact and legacy remain. This is seen in history and in how it’s remembered in culture today.
The role of avian messaging in history is huge. The pigeon post was crucial for sending important info in emergencies, like in the Siege of Paris. With the rise of new technologies, it fell out of use. But it still fascinates us today.
From hero pigeons to modern pigeon services, pigeon post’s story is one of creativity and problem-solving. Its legacy as a significant form of communication stands strong. Even with new digital methods, it’s a memorable part of our past.
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FAQ
What is the pigeon post?
The pigeon post refers to the use of homing pigeons to deliver messages. It was big in the 19th century before the telegraph was common.
When did the use of pigeons as messengers begin?
People likely started using pigeons as messengers when the Persians and Romans did. This was around 2,000 years ago.
How did the pigeon post work?
Here’s how it worked: pigeons carried to a place, a message tied, and then flew home. Someone at the home loft would get the message. This was common among stockbrokers and governments before recent tech.
What was the significance of the pigeon post during the Siege of Paris?
In the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, the pigeon post saved Paris during the siege. It carried thousands of messages into and out of the city.
How were the pigeons trained and operated for the pigeon post?
Pigeons were selected for their ability to find their way home over long distances. They were used to flying from their lofts. Often, the same message was sent by several pigeons to ensure it got through.
What happened to the pigeon post as modern communication technologies developed?
With the rise of radio telegraphy and telephony, pigeons became less used outside of war situations by the 1910s. The method mostly ended by the mid-20th century, as modern tech took over.
How does the legacy of the pigeon post live on today?
Today, some people still use pigeons for racing. The Letter Writers Alliance has a kit called Pigeon Post that lets you send letters with a plastic pigeon through the mail.
How is the pigeon post depicted in popular culture?
In movies and TV, using pigeons for messages is still shown. It highlights the pigeon post’s memorable role in history as an innovative way to communicate.
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