If you’ve ever made the drive from Bend to Seattle, chances are you’ve seen it — the unmistakable Uncle Sam billboard along northbound Interstate 5, between Centralia and Chehalis, Washington. But soon, that familiar sight may vanish from the roadside altogether.
The billboard, known for its bold conservative political messages paired with a hand-painted depiction of Uncle Sam, is perched on private land that’s now up for sale — putting the future of the decades-old landmark in question.
According to The Oregonian, the sign was first erected in the 1960s by Al Hamilton, a local turkey farmer with strong political views. Hamilton passed away in 2004, but the sign remained, with messages continuing to appear over the years. Some were pointed political statements, others more nuanced, though updates have dwindled in recent years.
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Currently, the sign features two politically charged messages: “How many Americans will we leave behind in Ukraine?” on one side, and “No one died in WW2 so you could show papers to buy food!” on the other.
Now, the Hamilton family is parting ways with the land. The Seattle Times reports that the 3.5-acre parcel where the billboard stands is listed for $2.5 million. A neighboring 30-acre lot is also for sale, priced at $13 million. Both properties reportedly went into pending status at full asking price as of March 31, according to the listing agent’s social media update.
While the sign has been a striking symbol to many — whether admired or criticized — its fate remains uncertain. Once the sale is finalized, it’s unclear whether the new owners will preserve the controversial piece of roadside Americana or remove it entirely.
For now, travelers along I-5 can still catch a glimpse of Uncle Sam — but maybe not for much longer.
