Uncle Sam: An American National Symbol
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Uncle Sam - The Personification of America
But, where did this character come from? Who was Uncle Sam?
Who Was Uncle Sam?
Samuel Wilson (1766-1854)
During the War of 1812, Sam Wilson obtained a contract to supply beef to the Army in its campaign further north. He shipped the meat in barrels branded with the initials "U.S." as they were government property. The soldiers and the teamsters took to joking that the initials referred to their "Uncle Sam," and over time, everything marked with "U.S." was linked with Uncle Sam. As much Army property these markings, Uncle Sam became synonymous with the United States itself. All supplies from the United States government were said to come from Uncle Sam.
Personification of America
The Face of America
The Most Familiar Picture of Uncle Sam
J. M. Flagg's 1917 Poster

Buy This Allposters.comJ. M. Flagg's 1917 poster used to recruit soldiers for both World War I and World War II defined the classic look of Uncle Sam, with a white goatee and dressed in his patriotic suit and top hat. Flagg used himself as the model for the picture's face, so as to save money on a modeling fee, and Veteran Walter Botts stood for the pose.
Flaggs poster was based on the original British Lord Kitchener by Alfred Leeze poster from three years earlier. Its popularity has caused the picture to me altered and parodied hundreds of times since.

Buy This Allposters.com

Buy This Allposters.com

Buy This Allposters.com

Buy This Allposters.com
America Is My Home
The Story of Uncle Sam - the Myth, the Man and the Acronym
America Is My Home: The Story of Uncle Sam - the Myth, the Man and the Acronym
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 02/14/2012)![]()
The image of Uncle Sam is recognized in the U.S. and abroad as the star-spangled, finger-pointing, authoritative spokesman for American interests and democratic ideals. Although first a cartoon, then myth, man and icon, the Uncle Sam in this book transforms the National Symbol into a powerful acronym which unites Americans into a common cause - freedom of responsible choice.
Uncle Sam Collectibles
Great Uncle Sam Sites
Learn more about Uncle Sam
- Uncle Sam Image Gallery--Contents
- Uncle Sam -- pictures and historical information about an American legend.
- Trace Uncle Sam's Roots
- "Uncle Sam" Wilson's geneology
- The Straight Dope: What's the origin of Uncle Sam?
- The Straight Dope: What's the origin of Uncle Sam?
- Uncle Sam Parade - Troy NY
- The Uncle Sam Parade in his home town, Troy, NY.
- Uncle Sam - TIME.com
- (May 11, 1931) The lineage of Uncle Sam, benign personification of the nation, was again raised last week. Was this lean Yankee character...
- Biography of Uncle Sam
- The story of how Samuel Wilson inspired the character known as Uncle Sam.

Flagg's Portrayal of Uncle Sam Resembles both Andrew Jackson and Abe Lincoln
Uncle Sam Coloring & Craft Projects
COLORING:
Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam with Flag
Uncle Sam ringing Liberty Bell
Uncle Sam Hat
Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam Running
Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam Walking

CRAFTS:
Uncle Sam Pin
Standing Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam Can
Kid's Uncle Sam Mask
Recycled Uncle Sam Hat
Uncle Sam Beaded Safety Pin
Uncle Sam Hat
Uncle Sam Napkin Rings
Styrofoam Uncle Sam (difficult)
Patriotic Costumes
Uncle Sam Costumes
Children's Books
Uncle Sam Guestbook
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JenOfChicago
Oct 12, 2010 @ 10:43 am | delete
- How interesting, I had no idea of the history of Uncle Sam!
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JoyfulPamela
Aug 26, 2010 @ 7:16 pm | delete
- I think it is always fascinating how symbols and stories begin but many times get lost over history. Thanks for bringing good old "Uncle Sam" back to the limelight. Lensrolled to my Constitution lens.
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poddys
Aug 16, 2010 @ 4:01 pm | delete
- Great lens. I never knew what the origins were.
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stargazer00
Aug 9, 2008 @ 6:40 pm | delete
- Very nice lens. Love those old war posters. 5*, faved and lensrolled to by Statue of Liberty lens.
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spirituality
Jul 5, 2008 @ 12:34 pm | delete
- Interesting lens. I had no idea :)
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