It was his government contract supplying provisions to U.S. troops during the War of 1812 that Uncle Sam first inspired the larger-than-life caricature. But Wilson's service to the U.S. started in ...

Uncle Sam is one tough old avatar. Cartoonists and designers of all stripes have relied on him as a handy symbol of the U.S. government for ages. He’s evolved in small ways—his costume has ...