Why is the US called 'Uncle Sam'?

                            The origin of the term Uncle Sam, though disputed, is associated with Samuel Wilson, a businessman from Troy, New York, known affectionately as 'Uncle Sam' Wilson. The barrels of beef that he supplied to the army during the War of 1812 were stamped 'U.S.' to indicate government property. This identification is said to have led to the widespread use of the nickname Uncle Sam for the United States.

                             Later, a resolution was passed by the Congress in 1961 recognising Wilson as the namesake of thenational symbol.