The United States of America is a diverse nation, and each of its states is unique in its own way. One way that each state expresses its individuality is through its state motto. State mottos are short phrases or sayings that are meant to capture the essence of a state’s character, values, or history. In this article, I will explore the state mottos of all 50 states in the United States, providing historical context and interesting facts about each one.
Alabama – “Audemus jura nostra defendere” (We dare defend our rights)
Alabama’s state motto, “Audemus jura nostra defendere” was adopted in 1923. The Latin phrase means “We dare defend our rights,” and it reflects Alabama’s fierce commitment to defending its people’s freedoms and liberties.
Alaska – “North to the future”
Alaska’s state motto, “North to the future” was adopted in 1967. It reflects the state’s optimistic outlook and pioneering spirit, as well as its natural resources and strategic location in the far north.
Arizona – “Ditat Deus” (God enriches)
Arizona’s state motto, “Ditat Deus” was adopted in 1911. The Latin phrase means “God enriches,” and it reflects the state’s rich natural resources, as well as its cultural diversity and spiritual heritage.
Arkansas – “Regnat populus” (The people rule)
Arkansas’ state motto, “Regnat populus” was adopted in 1907. The Latin phrase means “The people rule,” and it reflects the state’s commitment to democracy and the power of the people.
California – “Eureka” (I have found it)
California’s state motto, “Eureka” was adopted in 1849. The Greek word means “I have found it,” and it reflects the state’s spirit of discovery and innovation, as well as its history of gold mining.
Colorado – “Nil sine numine” (Nothing without providence)
Colorado’s state motto, “Nil sine numine” was adopted in 1876. The Latin phrase means “Nothing without providence,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the guiding hand of God and its commitment to individual initiative and hard work.
Connecticut – “Qui transtulit sustinet” (He who transplanted still sustains)
Connecticut’s state motto, “Qui transtulit sustinet” was adopted in 1784. The Latin phrase means “He who transplanted still sustains,” and it refers to the state’s English Puritan founders, who brought their traditions and values with them to the New World.
Delaware – “Liberty and independence”
Delaware’s state motto, “Liberty and independence” was adopted in 1847. It reflects the state’s history as the first state to ratify the United States Constitution and its ongoing commitment to freedom and self-determination.
Florida – “In God we trust”
Florida’s state motto, “In God we trust” was adopted in 2006. It reflects the state’s strong religious heritage and its commitment to faith and moral values.
Georgia – “Wisdom, justice, and moderation”
Georgia’s state motto, “Wisdom, justice, and moderation” was adopted in 1777. It reflects the state’s commitment to balanced and fair governance, as well as its recognition of the importance of wisdom and sound judgment.
Hawaii – “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono” (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)
Hawaii’s state motto, “Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono” was adopted in 1959. The Hawaiian phrase means “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness,” and it reflects the state’s deep reverence for the land and its commitment to sustainability and stewardship.
Idaho – “Esto perpetua” (Let it be perpetual)
Idaho’s state motto, “Esto perpetua” was adopted in 1867. The Latin phrase means “Let it be perpetual,” and it refers to the state’s natural beauty and abundance, as well as its hope for a prosperous and enduring future.
Illinois – “State sovereignty, national union”
Illinois’ state motto, “State sovereignty, national union” was adopted in 1819. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of state autonomy and self-determination, while also recognizing the need for national unity and cooperation.
Indiana – “The crossroads of America”
Indiana’s state motto, “The crossroads of America” was adopted in 1937. It reflects the state’s strategic location at the center of the country, as well as its history as a major transportation hub and crossroads of commerce and culture.
Iowa – “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain”
Iowa’s state motto, “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain” was adopted in 1847. It reflects the state’s commitment to freedom and democracy, as well as its determination to defend its people’s rights and interests.
Kansas – “Ad astra per aspera” (To the stars through difficulties)
Kansas’ state motto, “Ad astra per aspera” was adopted in 1861. The Latin phrase means “To the stars through difficulties,” and it reflects the state’s pioneering spirit and resilience in the face of adversity.
Kentucky – “United we stand, divided we fall”
Kentucky’s state motto, “United we stand, divided we fall” was adopted in 1942. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of unity and cooperation, as well as its history as a battleground in the Civil War.
Louisiana – “Union, justice, and confidence”
Louisiana’s state motto, “Union, justice, and confidence” was adopted in 1902. It reflects the state’s commitment to fairness and equal treatment under the law, as well as its confidence in its people and its future.
Maine – “Dirigo” (I lead)
Maine’s state motto, “Dirigo” was adopted in 1820. The Latin word means “I lead” and it reflects the state’s proud history of leadership and innovation, as well as its commitment to progress and forward thinking.
Maryland – “Fatti maschii, parole femine” (Strong deeds, gentle words)
Maryland’s state motto, “Fatti maschii, parole femine” was adopted in 1874. The Italian phrase means “Strong deeds, gentle words,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of both strength and compassion, as well as its history as a border state during the Civil War.
Massachusetts – “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
Massachusetts’ state motto, “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem” was adopted in 1775. The Latin phrase means “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty” and it reflects the state’s history as a leader in the American Revolution and its ongoing commitment to freedom and democracy.
Michigan – “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice” (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)
Michigan’s state motto, “Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice” was adopted in 1835. The Latin phrase means “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you” and it refers to the state’s natural beauty and abundant resources, as well as its pride in its unique geography as a peninsula surrounded by the Great Lakes.
Minnesota – “L’Étoile du Nord” (The North Star)
Minnesota’s state motto, “L’Étoile du Nord” was adopted in 1861. The French phrase means “The North Star” and it reflects the state’s history as a center of trade and commerce in the northern United States, as well as its belief in the importance of guidance and direction.
Mississippi – “Virtute et armis” (By valor and arms)
Mississippi’s state motto, “Virtute et armis” was adopted in 1894. The Latin phrase means “By valor and arms” and it reflects the state’s proud history of military service and its commitment to defending its people and their way of life.
Missouri – “Salus populi suprema lex esto” (Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law)
Missouri’s state motto, “Salus populi suprema lex esto” was adopted in 1822. The Latin phrase means “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law” and it reflects the state’s commitment to putting the needs and interests of its citizens first.
Montana – “Oro y plata” (Gold and silver)
Montana’s state motto, “Oro y plata” was adopted in 1865. The Spanish phrase means “Gold and silver” and it refers to the state’s rich history of mining and mineral extraction, as well as its hope for continued prosperity and abundance.
Nebraska – “Equality before the law”
Nebraska’s state motto, “Equality before the law” was adopted in 1867. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of fairness and justice for all its citizens, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Nevada – “All for our country”
Nevada’s state motto, “All for our country” was adopted in 1866. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to patriotism and service, as well as its history as a vital center of military and defense activity.
New Hampshire – “Live free or die”
New Hampshire’s state motto, “Live free or die” was adopted in 1945. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of individual freedom and autonomy, as well as its history as a center of revolutionary activity during the American Revolution.
New Jersey – “Liberty and prosperity”
New Jersey’s state motto, “Liberty and prosperity” was adopted in 1777. It reflects the state’s commitment to freedom and economic success, as well as its history as a key center of commerce and industry in the early days of the United States.
New Mexico – “Crescit eundo” (It grows as it goes)
New Mexico’s state motto, “Crescit eundo” was adopted in 1887. The Latin phrase means “It grows as it goes” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of progress and forward movement, as well as its hope for continued growth and prosperity.
New York – “Excelsior” (Ever upward)
New York’s state motto, “Excelsior” was adopted in 1778. The Latin word means “Ever upward” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of progress and achievement, as well as its history as a center of innovation and excellence in many fields.
North Carolina – “Esse quam videri” (To be rather than to seem)
North Carolina’s state motto, “Esse quam videri” was adopted in 1893. The Latin phrase means “To be rather than to seem” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of authenticity and sincerity, as well as its history as a center of independence and self-reliance.
North Dakota – “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable”
North Dakota’s state motto, “Liberty and union, now and forever, one and inseparable” was adopted in 1889. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to freedom and unity, as well as its history as a key center of agriculture and industry in the northern United States.
Ohio – “With God, all things are possible”
Ohio’s state motto, “With God, all things are possible” was adopted in 1959. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of faith and hope, as well as its history as a center of innovation and industry in many fields.
Oklahoma – “Labor omnia vincit” (Labor conquers all things)
Oklahoma’s state motto, “Labor omnia vincit” was adopted in 1907. The Latin phrase means “Labor conquers all things,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of hard work and perseverance, as well as its history as a center of agriculture and energy production.
Oregon – “Alis volat propriis” (She flies with her own wings)
Oregon’s state motto, “Alis volat propriis” was adopted in 1987. The Latin phrase means “She flies with her own wings,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of independence and self-reliance, as well as its history as a center of innovation and creativity in many fields.
Pennsylvania – “Virtue, liberty, and independence”
Pennsylvania’s state motto, “Virtue, liberty, and independence” was adopted in 1778. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to morality, freedom, and autonomy, as well as its history as a center of revolutionary activity during the American Revolution.
Rhode Island – “Hope”
Rhode Island’s state motto, “Hope” was adopted in 1664. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of optimism and positive thinking, as well as its history as a center of innovation and progress in many fields.
South Carolina – “Dum spiro spero” (While I breathe, I hope)
South Carolina’s state motto, “Dum spiro spero” was adopted in 1776. The Latin phrase means “While I breathe, I hope,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of optimism and perseverance, as well as its history as a key center of agriculture and industry in the southern United States.
South Dakota – “Under God the people rule”
South Dakota’s state motto, “Under God the people rule” was adopted in 1885. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of faith and democracy, as well as its history as a center of agriculture and tourism in the western United States.
Tennessee – “Agriculture and commerce”
Tennessee’s state motto, “Agriculture and commerce” was adopted in 1987. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to economic growth and prosperity, as well as its history as a key center of agriculture and industry in the southern United States.
Texas – “Friendship”
Texas’s state motto, “Friendship” was adopted in 1930. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of community and relationships, as well as its history as a center of innovation and progress in many fields.
Utah – “Industry”
Utah’s state motto, “Industry” was adopted in 1959. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of hard work and productivity, as well as its history as a center of mining, agriculture, and outdoor recreation in the western United States.
Vermont – “Freedom and unity”
Vermont’s state motto, “Freedom and unity” was adopted in 1779. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to individual liberty and collective cooperation, as well as its history as a key center of revolutionary activity during the American Revolution.
Virginia – “Sic semper tyrannis” (Thus always to tyrants)
Virginia’s state motto, “Sic semper tyrannis” was adopted in 1776. The Latin phrase means “Thus always to tyrants,” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of freedom and democracy, as well as its history as a center of revolutionary activity during the American Revolution.
Washington – “Alki” (By and by)
Washington’s state motto, “Alki” was adopted in 1853. The Chinook word means “By and by” and it reflects the state’s belief in the importance of patience and persistence, as well as its history as a center of innovation and progress in many fields.
West Virginia – “Montani semper liberi” (Mountaineers are always free)
West Virginia’s state motto, “Montani semper liberi” was adopted in 1863. The Latin phrase means “Mountaineers are always free” and it reflects the state’s deep commitment to individual liberty and self-determination, as well as its history as a key center of coal mining and industry in the eastern United States.
Wisconsin – “Forward”
Wisconsin’s state motto, “Forward” was adopted in 1851. It reflects the state’s belief in the importance of progress and innovation, as well as its history as a center of agriculture and industry in the northern United States.
Wyoming – “Equal rights”
Wyoming’s state motto, “Equal rights” was adopted in 1890. It reflects the state’s deep commitment to justice and equality, as well as its history as a key center of agriculture, mining, and outdoor recreation in the western United States.
The state mottos of the United States reflect the diverse beliefs, values, and histories of the fifty states. From the deep commitment to freedom and independence in New Hampshire and Virginia, to the emphasis on community and relationships in Texas, to the focus on hard work and productivity in Utah and Oklahoma, each state motto tells a unique story about the people and culture of the state.
While some state mottos are steeped in history and tradition, others have been adopted more recently to reflect changing attitudes and priorities. Yet all of these mottos share a common thread: the belief that the people of each state have the power to shape their own destiny and make a positive difference in the world.
By: Priyanka Shah
