In 1813, iconic newspaper first used term 'Uncle Sam' to refer to the United States, the nickname was linked to local meatpacker, after over 200 years later President Donald Trump is on name-changing spree

President Donald Trump is known for penchant of rechristening entities frequently. While the Republican's announcements often draw sharp reactions, giving a new name has its own association with the history. In 1813, during the War of 1812, the Troy (New York) Post newspaper first used the term “Uncle Sam” to refer to the United States; the nickname was linked to a local meatpacker, Samuel Wilson, who supplied the U.S. Army with beef. The Troy Post was a weekly newspaper that began its historic journey in 1812.

The story remains one of the most memorable examples of how a person, a joke and a government abbreviation became part of American history.

Uncle Sam Story


Samuel Wilson supplied meat to the U.S. Army in barrels marked "U.S.", meaning United States. According to the traditional story, workers and soldiers associated those initials with Wilson, who was locally known as "Uncle Sam". The playful interpretation eventually transformed “Uncle Sam” from a personal nickname into a popular expression for the federal government.

The Troy Post helped establish the nickname in print in 1813. Historical congressional records identify a September 3, 1813, Troy Post reference describing “Uncle Sam” as a nickname for the government and noting that the initials “U.S.” on government property were believed to have inspired it. This makes Troy an important location in the history of the American nickname.

However, historians caution that the Samuel Wilson story is not completely settled. The Smithsonian notes that references to “Uncle Sam” appear in writings dating to around 1810, before the War of 1812. The Wilson explanation became prominent later, meaning the famous origin story may have blended an existing expression with a popular local legend.

Despite the uncertainty, Samuel Wilson became firmly associated with Uncle Sam. The National Park Service explains that Wilson supplied provisions to American troops during the War of 1812, while barrels marked “U.S.” helped connect his nickname with the United States government. In 1961, Congress formally recognized Wilson as the progenitor of the national symbol.

Over time, Uncle Sam evolved from a nickname into a recognizable personification of the United States. Artists and political cartoonists gradually developed his appearance, while Thomas Nast played an important role in shaping the familiar figure. By the late 19th century, Uncle Sam had become a powerful symbol in American political culture.

Donald Trump's Acts in 2026

US President Donald Trump's name-changing spree found an unlikely new target on Sunday when he suggested the state of New Mexico could become "New America." His proposal, which was immediately dismissed by the state's governor, comes days after he signed an order to rename Lake Ontario as "Lake America" in the middle of a trade war with neighboring Canada.

"Many people suggested changing the name of New Mexico... to NEW AMERICA," the Republican president posted on social media. "So much more prestigious and beautiful for the people of that potentially incredible State. Wow, I Love It!!!"

The White House reposted an image showing the Mexico part of the state's name crossed out and replaced with "America."

Some US media reports said the idea originated as an internet hoax. State governor Michelle Lujan Grisham told Fox News that the name "isn't up for debate -- it's been ours since before the United States existed."

She said the president wanted to "distract Americans" from issues such as soaring gas prices.

Trump last week suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as "Trump Strait" as the war with Iran continues -- then hours later implied he was not serious about the plan.

He renamed the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" on his first day back in the White House in 2025 in a move rejected by Mexico. Canada has also rejected the attempt to rename Lake Ontario.