Why do some states have front car license plates and some don't?

My husband HATES front plates, feels it ruins the line of the car, and you have to put holes in the car. I grew up in the metro DC area, and it was great for us, because if the car behind you had a plate from a different state than you were drining in at the moment (MD, VA, and DC are all right next to each other (well, DC isn’t a state)) you knew it wasn’t an under cover cop from your rear view mirror.

So my husband wants to know the history behind why some states have front plates and some don’t? And, I would like to know if you have an opinion on the subject.