March 13, 1852: For the first time “Uncle Sam” was depicted in print, appearing in a cartoon by artist Frank Bellew in the New York Lantern periodical. The origins of Uncle Sam are lost in history, but he’s mentioned in a 1775 verse of “Yankee Doodle Dandy.” His most famous incarnation is as an army recruiter in a 1917 poster by J.M. Flagg.

Quote of the Day

“Old Uncle Sam come there to change

Some pancakes and some onions,

For ‘lasses cakes, to carry home

To give his wife and young ones.”

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” lyrics, 1775

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (p. 73). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.