by Andrew Weast
The E. W. Scripps Company
As we celebrate the 4th of July, here are some very interesting facts about the history of the United States.
1. Uncle Sam was first popularized during the War of 1812, when the term referred to a man who supplied meat for the armies. The cartoon image we're all familiar with first appeared in 1916 in a weekly magazine and, as said by the creator, became the "the most famous poster in the world". Believe it or not, the U. S. Congress didn't adopt him as a national symbol until 1961. (
Source: Library of Congress)
2. The American national anthem, the "Star-Spangled Banner," is set to the tune of an English drinking song, "
To Anacreon in Heaven."
3. Eleven places have “independence” in their name. The most populous of these is Independence, Missouri, with 111,023 residents. This is also the hometown of our 33rd President Harry S. Truman.
