Ascension Island is an isolated volcanic island in the Atlantic Ocean Midway between South America and Africa. It is governed as part of the British Overseas Territory of St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. It was discovered on Ascension Day hence its name. Its capital is Georgetown.

A date stamp was in use on the stamps from 1858. From 1863 until 1977 the Union Steamship Co. carried the mail. In 1922, stamps of St. Helena were overprinted “Ascension” and replaced British stamps. From 1924, the stamps were inscribed for Ascension. Since 1963 there have been about 5 or 6 sets of stamps issued every year.