March 13, 1852
The image of "Uncle Sam" is born.
The cartoon image of "Uncle Sam" has come to represent the United States. Sharing his initials (US) with the name of the country, the name probably comes from a real person named Sam Wilson who was a meat inspector during the War of 1812. He was nick-named Uncle Sam, and it's said he stamped the letters "US" on barrels of meat used by soldiers. The soldiers then began to equate "Uncle Sam" with the United States. Thomas Nast, the late 19th century cartoonist, used the figure of Uncle Sam prominently in his political drawings. Of course, the most famous representation of Uncle Sam is the World War I recruiting poster featuring a man in a top hat pointing his finger directly at the viewer with the slogan "I want YOU for US Army."
For more information...
Uncle Sam
A historical overview of the Uncle Sam mascot, including nice photo galleries of cartoons and posters featuring Uncle Sam over the years.
Uncle Sam
A discussion of the story of Uncle Sam and the importance of national icons. Good images and information.
Uncle Sam Army Recruitment Poster
An account of the Uncle Sam Army Recruitment poster and its pop culture significance.
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