Samuel Wilson

Samuel Wilson, commonly referred to as 'Uncle Sam,' was a 19th-century American businessman and meat packer who became a national symbol of the United States. Born in 1766, Wilson gained fame during the War of 1812 when he supplied food to the U.S. Army, and his initials 'U.S.' on the barrels of meat led to the playful association with the term 'Uncle Sam.' His image evolved over the years, becoming a representation of American patriotism and identity.