Ruins of Uncle Sam's House

Troy, New York

Sam Wilson was a Troy native and a supplier of meat to the Army in the War of 1812. His barrels were stamped with the initials "U.S.," which the soldiers claimed stood for a mythical benefactor, "Uncle Sam." Thus the national personification of America was born, although Sam Wilson looked nothing like the billy-goat-whiskered, top-hat-wearing cartoon character that would be created long after he was dead.

Sam's house was torn down in the unpatriotic year of 1971. What's left is rubble, the foundation, and a retaining wall on the west end of the property. For years, city officials have talked about rebuilding the house -- the county historical society has the original plans -- as a tourist attraction. But talk only goes so far, and Sam's house remains a destination only for those who value irony in their vacation itinerary.