Here is the story about “Uncle Sam” … one of ten famous people who never existed.

“If you live in America then I’m almost 100% sure you have seen at least one form of  ‘Uncle Sam.’ If you’re not familiar with him, he is a personification of the federal government or citizens of the US, typically portrayed as a tall, thin, bearded man wearing a suit of red, white, and blue. But where did he come from?

“J.M. Flagg’s 1917 poster was based on the original British Lord Kitchener poster from three years earlier, which was used to recruit soldiers for both World War I and World War II. Flagg used a modified version of his own face for Uncle Sam, and veteran Walter Botts provided the pose. The face also bears resemblance to the real Samuel Wilson. During the War of 1812, a N.Y. meat packer named Samuel Wilson supplied beef to the U.S. Army. The barrels were stamped with ‘U.S.’ for the ‘United States,’ but soldiers (they always seem to speak their own language) started describing the food as being ‘Uncle Sam’s.’

“A local newspaper spread the story and before you know it, ‘Uncle Sam’ became a popular nickname for the federal government. Although he is based upon several people, he never officially lived or existed. The poster has become an iconic symbol for the US, especially during times of war or conflict.”

Read more about nine others who never existed here.