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

Ferry Street Wharf

— Uncle Sam Trail —

Photographed by Jennifer Lee Tiernan, October 18, 2026

1. Ferry Street Wharf Marker

Inscription.
This is the place where the Legend of "Uncle Sam" was born. During the War of 1812. "Uncle Sam" and Ebenezer Wilson shipped barrels of meat destined for the US Army from their Hudson River wharf at the foot of Ferry Street. Each barrel was stamped with the initial "US" When asked what the initials stood for dockworkers replied, "Why that stands for Uncle Sam, of course. 'tis he who's feeding the whole army!" Word quickly spread and soon all government property was referred to as belonging to "Uncle Sam"

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 42° 43.758′ N, 73° 41.721′ W. Marker is in Troy, New York, in Rensselaer County. It is at the intersection of River Street and Ferry Street, on the left when traveling south on River Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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

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Metropolitan Area.

It is also 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: Uncle Sam (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); On This Site (about 600 feet away); Fredericka Voorhaar Slingerland Alumnae House (about 600 feet away); Julia Howard Bush Memorial Center (about 700 feet away); Rensselaer County Spanish-American War Memorial (about 700 feet away); Edith McCrea House (about 800 feet away); French House (about 800 feet away); The Rescue of Charles Nalle (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Troy.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2026, by Jennifer Lee Tiernan of Albany, New York. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on October 25, 2026, by Jennifer Lee Tiernan of Albany, New York. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.