Oregon’s state motto, “She flies on her wings,” was written by Judge Quinn Thornton in 1854 and was replaced with “The Union” in 1957. It was changed back to the original motto in 1987. The state seal features the previous motto and symbolic images, while the state flag is double-sided with a representation of the state seal and a golden beaver. Oregon’s official state nickname is “The Beaver State” due to the beaver’s industriousness, and it was also known as “The Sunset State” for being located further west than any other state at the time.
Oregon’s state motto is Alis Volat Propiis, which is Latin for “She flies on her wings.” This motto has an interesting history because it was adopted as the state motto then replaced and adopted once again. The origin of the Oregon state motto is credited to Judge Quinn Thornton, who not only wrote the motto but also translated it into Latin in 1854 for incorporation into the territorial seal.
In 1957, Oregon’s state motto was changed to “The Union.” This remained the state motto until 1987 when it was changed to “She Flies With Her Wings”. The change was based on 1987 Senate Bill 1036, sponsored by former Oregon State Senate Speaker Jason Boe, Senate Historian Cecil Edwards, and Barbara Roberts, who was Oregon’s Secretary of State at the time .
The state seal of Oregon features an inscription of the previous motto, “The Union,” and has several symbolic images. It has an inner circle made up of 33 stars, representing the total number of states that made up the union when Oregon joined in 1859. The circle of stars surrounds a shield that includes a representation of mountains, the Pacific Ocean, a moose and a covered wagon. Two vessels are shown on the Pacific Ocean; one leaves while the other arrives. The outgoing vessel is a British warship, while the incoming vessel is an American steamer. This symbolizes the end of British rule in Oregon.
The state flag of Oregon is unique among US state flags. It is the only double-sided flag, showing different designs on the front and back. The flag has a navy blue color with gold lettering and images. One side has a representation of the state seal with the state motto of Oregon, while the other side has a representation of a golden beaver.
The official state nickname for Oregon is “The Beaver State,” a nickname that was officially adopted by the legislature in 1969. Oregon has also adopted the beaver as its state animal. The beaver was chosen for its industriousness and natural ability to build habitable structures with materials it discovers at the building site. Oregon is also known as “The Sunset State” because it was located further west than any other state in the union at the time. Now, Alaska and Washington hold that distinction.
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