Uncle Sam: An American National Symbol

Uncle Sam - The Personification of America

Uncle Sam is a National Symbol. He is the personification of America itself. Wearing his finest red white and blue suit adorned in elements from the American flag - the stars and the stripes, Uncle Sam is an image of patriotism. But, where did this character come from? Who was Uncle Sam?

Who Was Uncle Sam?

Samuel Wilson (1766-1854) was born in Arlington, Massachusetts, then known as Menotomy. He grew up in Mason, New Hampshire, and in 1778 he and his brother Ebeneezer moved to Troy NY, to start a business in the meat-packing industry.

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

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The Most Familiar Picture of Uncle Sam

J. M. Flagg's 1917 Poster

J. 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.

Your Country Needs You, Featuring Lord Kitchener

You've Got What It Takes, Soldier, Now Take Care of What You've Got!

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

by: Bil Holton

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 12/04/2008)

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

Uncle Sam collections display a fascinating variety and evolution of the Uncle Sam Image.

The Foremost Guide to Uncle Sam Collectibles

by: Gerald E., Sr. Czulewicz

Amazon Price: (as of 12/04/2008)

Parade Uncle Sams

Uncle Sam is a must-have at any patriotic parade.

Uncle Sam - NYC Homeless man 4-4-86 by bfraz

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Patriotic Costumes

How to Find the Best 4th of July Costumes for Independence Day: Statue of Liberty, Uncle Sam & More

If you're in need of the perfect costume for the 4th of July, then you're in the right place. Whether you need something grandiose or simple for your celebration, you can find it here. Traditionally, patriotic costumes include staples such as Uncle...

Uncle Sam Costumes

Uncle Sam Set- Vest, Top...

Plastic Uncle Sam Top Hat...

Uncle Sam Beard Adult

Uncle Sam Foam Top Hat

Great Uncle Sam Sites

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.

Uncle Sam Interacts With Others

Being the personification of America, Uncle Sam is often portrayed interacting with personifications of other countries.

Uncle Sam Takes a Puff at Spain's Havana Cigar

More On Uncle Sam

Uncle Sam is a national personification of the United States (US), and sometimes more specifically of the American government Should Uncle Sam Help?, with the first usage of the term dating from the War of 1812 and the first illustration dating from 1852. He is often depicted as a serious elderly white man with white hair and a goatee, and dressed in clothing that recalls the design elements of flag of the United States—for example, typically a top hat with red and white stripes and white stars on a blue band, and red and white striped trousers.

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