Uncle Sam, long a symbol of the U.S. government, was inspired by a real person — Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from Troy, New York, born in 1766.

According to a widely accepted story, in 1813, there was a man from Troy, New York, whose name was Samuel Wilson. During the War of 1812, he worked as a meatpacker, distributing beef to the U.S. Army.

Some still aren't certain if the man behind the American symbol is Samuel Wilson. But Congress made September 13 a national day to commemorate the birth of the man behind the patriotic icon.

Uncle Sam is a cartoon that traces its history to the War of 1812, and has become a well-known representation of patriotism. “Uncle Sam” was a nickname given to Samuel Wilson, a New York-based ...

Uncle Sam, the personification of the United States, was "born" on Sept. 7, 1813, and inspired by New York businessman Samuel Wilson, who provided rations to troops in the War of 1812.