The model for the icon of Uncle Sam is believed to be a man named Samuel Wilson from Troy, New York. Through a company created by himself and his brother, Uncle Sam provided meats to the army during the War of 1812. The "U.S." mark on the barrels was noted by soldiers as being from "Uncle Sam". Cartoon versions of Uncle Sam appeared throughout the Civil War, however the most famous image was penned by Thomas Nast in 1917 in a war recruitment poster with Uncle Sam and the phrase "I Want You" adorning the poster.

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