Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a U.S. Congressman who has consistently won re-election since 2018, recently shared a series of tweets on July 28, 2025, discussing the origins and evolution of the American symbol Uncle Sam.
In his first post, Crenshaw wrote, “The nickname stuck. By the 1830s, newspapers and political cartoons were calling the federal government ‘Uncle Sam.’ It summed up the idea of a friendly, paternal figure looking out for Americans. No red, white, and blue top hat yet.” (July 28, 2025)
He continued in another tweet by highlighting the individual behind one of Uncle Sam’s most famous depictions: “But who was the model for Flagg’s poster? Meet Walter Botts, a retired Army officer. His likeness helped cement Uncle Sam’s stare in American memory.” (July 28, 2025)
In his final post on the subject that day, Crenshaw noted how Uncle Sam’s meaning evolved over time: “Uncle Sam began as a local joke, but Americans gave him meaning, and turned him into a national symbol of service.” (July 28, 2025)
Dan Crenshaw has represented his district in Congress since winning his first election in 2018 against Todd Litton. He secured subsequent victories over Sima Ladjevardian in 2020, Robin Fulford in 2022, and Peter Filler in 2024.
