This paper presents an historical perspective of the development of microstrip patch antennas. A survey on microstip antenna papers is carried out initially to evaluate the evolution of the research activity on the topic along the last 40 years. The early years of the microstrip technology and specifically of microstrip antennas are analysed in detail. The fast evolution of the research and development activities that happened in the last 30 years is described in the context of the associated technologies and areas of application. Finally, the present situation of the microstip antenna field and trends of possible future evolution are examined.