Arizona’s state motto, “Ditat Deus,” has remained consistent since 1863. It is believed to be taken from the Latin translation of Genesis Vulgate 2:23 pm. The state seal has evolved over the years, but the current one depicts mountains, the sun, a reservoir, a dam, orchards, grazing cattle, and a miner. Arizona was admitted to […]
Maine’s state motto is “Dirigo,” meaning “I lead” or “direct.” It was officially adopted in 1820 and is complemented by a symbolic depiction on the state seal. The seal features a moose, a pine tree, water, woodland, a farmer, and a sailor. The state flag has a plain blue background with the state seal in […]
The Colorado state motto, Nil Sine Numine, means “Nothing without divinity” and appears on the state seal. The seal also features a shield and crests of the governor and secretary who designed it. The state flag has changed over time. Colorado has unofficial mottos such as “Centennial State” and “The Highest State.” The state animal […]
North Carolina’s state motto “Esse quam videri” means “To be, rather than to seem.” It was adopted in 1893 and comes from a statement by Cicero. North Carolina was the last of the original thirteen states to adopt a motto. Other state symbols include the gray squirrel, the flag, and the state song “The Old […]
Republican Senator Joseph J. Carraro attempted to change New Mexico’s state motto, Crescit Eundo, to “Respect the past and embrace the future,” but the measure failed. The current motto, meaning “It grows as it goes,” comes from a poem by Lucretius. The state flag features a red sun with many rays, representing New Mexico’s Spanish […]
Ohio’s state motto has been “With God All Things Are Possible” since 1959, suggested by a sixth-grader. The American Civil Liberties Union challenged its use in 1997, but the United States District Court ruled in favor of the state. The previous motto, Imperium in Imperior, was abolished in 1865 after just two years due to […]
The United States Postal Service (USPS) does not have an official motto, but an English translation of an ancient Greek quote is often mistakenly believed to be it. The quote has been displayed at many post offices. Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General, and postcodes were introduced in 1963. Loma Linda, California used to […]
State mottos are a common type of state symbol in the US, with every state having one. Many mottos predate the state, with Rhode Island’s “Hope” dating back to 1664. Mottos are often in other languages, with Latin being the most common. They make statements about the state’s identity, with some expressing religious or political […]
The Massachusetts state motto, “Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem,” means “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.” It was first used in the mid-1770s on the colony’s official seal by Paul Revere. The seal has undergone changes, and the current one shows an Algonquin Indian holding a downward-pointing sword. The […]
“North to the Future” is Alaska’s state motto, adopted in 1967 during the centennial celebrations of its purchase from Russia. It represents the promise of opportunity in a beautiful, sparsely populated state with vast natural resources. The motto was chosen through a competition, with a prize of $300 awarded to the winner. Alaska has other […]
Virginia’s state motto is “Sic Semper Tyrannis,” meaning “So always to tyrants,” adopted in 1776. The state seal depicts Virtus, a figure of peace, standing victorious over Tyranny, representing Britain. Virginia has several unofficial nicknames, including “The Old Dominion” and “Mother of Presidents.” The state also has official symbols, including the American foxhound, brook trout, […]
Missouri’s state motto, “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto”, means “the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law”. It was adopted in 1822 and is featured on the state seal, which also includes two grizzly bears, the words “United We Stand” and “Divided We Fall”, and the year 1820. The state flag has three […]
Washington’s state motto is “Alki,” a Native American Chinook word meaning “future hope” or “eventually.” It comes from the settlement of “New York Alki” which later became Seattle. It is the only unofficial state motto and is depicted on the Washington Territory seal. The state seal and flag are simple, depicting George Washington and the […]
South Carolina has two state mottos: “Animis Opibusque Parati” meaning “prepared in mind and resources” and “Dum Spiro Spero” meaning “As I breathe, I hope.” Both are on the state seal, which also features a palmetto tree representing victory in a Revolutionary War battle. Other state symbols include a flower, butterfly, animal, bird, and game […]
Florida’s state motto is “In God We Trust” and is found on the state seal and flag. It became the official motto in 2006. Florida is also known as the “Sunshine State” and “the alligator state”. Other official state adoptions include a state mammal, bird, marine mammal, flower, and wildflower. The state motto of Florida […]
Mottos are short statements of beliefs or ideals, used by individuals, organizations, businesses, nations, and politicians to remind stakeholders of core beliefs. Personal mottos can be in any language, while national mottos are often attached to a country’s coat of arms or currency. Campaign slogans can also serve as mottos, expressing the public relations version […]
- 1
- 2
