UNCLE SAM DAY | SEPTEMBER 13
On September 13th, the United States recognizes Uncle Sam Day. The day commemorates the man behind the iconic image and fascinating nickname for the United States government who was born on September 13, 1766.
#UncleSamDay
Sam Wilson, a meatpacker from New York, was born on September 12, 1766, and supplied barrels of meat to soldiers during the war of 1812. To identify the meat for shipment, Wilson prominently stamped “U.S.” on the barrels. It wasn’t long before the soldiers dubbed the grub a delivery from Uncle Sam. As such nicknames tend to do, its popularity spread.
The first illustration of Uncle Sam is unlike the one we know now. Published by Harper’s Weekly in 1861, the young government representative (a starred bandana on his head and wearing a striped vest) is depicted dividing up Virginia like a butcher. Through the years, the image of Uncle Sam would take many forms.
Credit is given to German-born illustrator and cartoonist Thomas Nast for developing the long-legged Uncle Sam familiar to us. With the starred top hat and striped pants, the Uncle Sam debut in Harper’s Weekly, also. He took on many issues with Nast as his illustrator. Some of the issues topics included Boss Tweed, Union recruitment, and Reconstruction.
During the modern era, Uncle Sam obtained some color. The United States Army awarded Montgomery Flagg with the artwork for the familiar portrait used in the “I Want You For The U.S. Army” campaign during World War I. It first appeared on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly, an illustrated literary and news magazine.
HOW TO OBSERVE UNCLE SAM DAY
Explore the history behind Sam Wilson, the War of 1812 and Uncle Sam’s use throughout history. Discover other symbols of the United States. Use #UncleSamDay to post on social media.
UNCLE SAM DAY HISTORY
President George H. W. Bush proclaimed Uncle Sam Day to be September 13, 1989, in honor of the anniversary of the birth of Samuel Wilson. It coincided with the bicentennial celebration of the City of Troy, New York, where Wilson lived and worked. The City of Troy requested the designation of the President.
On September 7, 1961, through concurrent resolutions, Congress officially named Uncle Sam as a permanent symbol of American strength and idealism.
Q. When did Uncle Sam first get a beard?
A. Artist Thomas Nast drew Uncle Sam with a beard in a comic published in 1856.
Q. What are some other patriotic U.S. symbols.
A. The United States is recognized by several of its patriotic symbols including
The Liberty Bell
Statue of Liberty
U.S. Flag
The Mighty Oak
The Great Seal of the United States