Fascinating Historical Figures That We’re Lucky To Have Photos Of

Martin Van Buren is recognized as one of the Democratic Party’s principal founders. He was the eighth Vice President, the eighth President of the United States, the tenth Secretary of State, and the governor of New York during his political career. Martin Van Buren won the 1836 presidential election with Andrew Jackson’s help, but William Henry Harrison defeated him in the 1840 reelection. In 1848, Van Buren made his final presidential run with the Free Soil Party.

Originally used during the War of 1812, Uncle Sam is a representation of the American government and society. In addition to other American-related attire, he is usually perceived as a man with a beard, white hair, and a top hat. The character is said to be based on Samuel Wilson, a meatpacker who served during the War of 1812. The initials U.S. for the United States were in his barrels; some joked that they stood for “Uncle Sam.”