Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—March 13: Uncle Sam’s Debut in an American Cartoon Written by Mic Anderson Mic Anderson is the assistant director of Copy at Encyclopædia Britannica. Mic Anderson Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 10, 2026 •History Everyone knows Uncle Sam: the tall hat, the striped trousers, the pointed finger. He feels as old as the country itself. Yet his first appearance in an American cartoon came relatively late—in 1852—and he was still evolving. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Want to learn more about what happened on March 13, or any other day of the year? Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox every morning. Before...

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