Uncle Sam is an easily recognizable piece of wartime propaganda. And legend says he was based off a real person—though that may not actually be the case.

Uncle Sam was built in the 1960s by International Fiberglass in Venice, California, as a generic “waving giant” advertising mascot, according to the aficionado website American Giants.

Utah Republican wants to fire 100,000 workers delinquent on their taxes. WASHINGTON, March 18, 2010— -- Working for Uncle Sam comes with some great perks, like job stability, posh benefits ...

Trey Hauptmann, right, a descendant of Uncle Sam, carries on his ancestor's legacy of service. Right, a World War I recruitment poster with Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer, 1917.