History is for Everyone

MA, USA

Uncle Sam Memorial Statue

Monument

A statue honoring Samuel Wilson (1766-1854), who was born in what was then Menotomy. Wilson later became the inspiration for "Uncle Sam" during the War of 1812. While not directly Revolutionary, the memorial connects Arlington to the broader arc of American identity.

What Happened Here

Wilson moved to Troy, New York, where his meat-packing business supplied the U.S. Army. Barrels stamped "U.S." were jokingly said to stand for "Uncle Sam."

Visiting Today

Address

Main Street at Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA

Admission

Free

Connected Events

Apr 1775
Battle of Menotomy - Main Engagement

Benjamin Locke, Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland, Samuel Cook

Apr 1775
Percy's Relief Column Reaches Menotomy

Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland

Apr 1775
Foot of the Rocks Ambush

Thomas Hadley, John Hicks

Apr 1775
Mother Batherick Captures British Soldiers

Experience "Mother" Batherick

Apr 1775
Jason Russell House Attack

Jason Russell, James Miller

Apr 1775
Menotomy Militia Muster on the Alarm

Benjamin Locke, Samuel Cook

Apr 1775
Samuel Whittemore's Stand

Samuel Whittemore

Apr 1775