Troy in Rensselaer County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Samuel Wilson — "Uncle Sam"

Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 6, 2026

1. Samuel Wilson — "Uncle Sam" Marker

Inscription. On this Ground 1793
Samuel Wilson
Familiarly Known as
"Uncle Sam" Erected the dwelling in which he resided many years. He furnished beef to military camps during the War of 1812. The Troy soldiers called it Uncle Sam's beef — others, supposing the name referred to the inspector's mark "U.S.," gradually applied it to all government property and ultimately "Uncle Sam" came to designate the United States, first throughout the army and then everywhere

Erected by City Corporation Troy, N. Y.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Food & Drink • Industry & Commerce • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.

Location. 42° 43.672′ N, 73° 41.545′ W. Marker is in Troy, New York, in Rensselaer County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Ferry Street, on the right when traveling south on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 2nd Street, Troy NY 12180, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

in the Capital District,

and in the Albany Metropolitan Area.

It is also

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1920-1995 (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Hart Willard (within shouting distance of this marker); Julia Howard Bush Memorial Center (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); French House (about 300 feet away); Second Ward World War II Memorial (about 300 feet away); Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland Alumnae House (about 300 feet away); 92 First Street (about 400 feet away); Rensselaer County's First Courthouse (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Troy.

More about this marker. Located on the brick gatepost at the entry to Russell Sage College campus.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Uncle Sam (Wikipedia). (Submitted on October 17, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Russell Sage College.

Photographed by Trudi Jacobson, October 6, 2026

2. Samuel Wilson — "Uncle Sam" Marker

(Submitted on October 17, 2026, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on October 6, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. 2. submitted on October 7, 2026, by Trudi Jacobson of Slingerlands, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.