Uncle Sam Stands Guard at Sub-Treasury, 1918

This glass negative captures the iconic figure known as Uncle Sam standing in front of the Sub-Treasury in 1918, a significant year during the final phases of World War I. The photograph, taken by the Bain News Service, places this symbolic character—often associated with patriotic fervor and government representation—against the backdrop of an important U.S. government institution. The Sub-Treasury, located in New York City, was crucial for managing the governments finances and was emblematic of America’s economic strength during a time of global turmoil.

Uncle Sam, often depicted as a tall, bearded man in a top hat adorned with stars and stripes, became a powerful symbol of national identity and responsibility in the early 20th century. This photograph not only provides a glimpse into the style and significance of governmental architecture of the time but also serves as a visual record of how the U.S. represented itself to its citizens. The image is part of a wider collection that encapsulates key moments in American history, highlighting the interplay between national identity and the structures that support it.