Every U.S. state has an official motto. These short phrases appear on state seals, flags, and government documents. Some are in English. Others use Latin or other languages.
State mottos express important values or beliefs. They might describe the state’s history or geography. Some focus on freedom and independence. Others talk about unity or hard work. State symbols like mottos help define what makes each state unique.
Most mottos were adopted in the 1800s or early 1900s. A few states picked theirs more recently. Some have changed their mottos over time. The choice of words matters because these phrases represent millions of people.
Latin Mottos and Their Meanings
Many states chose Latin phrases for their mottos. Latin sounds formal and official. It connects American states to ancient Roman traditions of government and law.
Virginia uses “Sic Semper Tyrannis.” This means “Thus Always to Tyrants.” The phrase appears on Virginia’s state seal with an image of tyranny defeated. It was adopted in 1776 during the Revolutionary War.
New York’s motto is “Excelsior.” This translates to “Ever Upward.” The state adopted it in 1778. It suggests continuous progress and improvement. You can’t get much simpler than one Latin word.
Kansas picked “Ad Astra per Aspera” in 1861. It means “To the Stars Through Difficulties.” This motto acknowledges that achieving great things requires hard work. Kansas faced real challenges as it joined the Union during the Civil War era.
Maine says “Dirigo,” which means “I Lead” or “I Guide.” Adopted in 1820, this short motto refers to the North Star. Maine is the northernmost state on the East Coast. The North Star guided sailors and travelers for centuries.
English Language Mottos
Not every state wanted Latin. English mottos speak more directly to regular citizens. They’re easier to understand and remember.
New Hampshire uses “Live Free or Die.” This is probably the most famous state motto. General John Stark wrote these words in 1809. New Hampshire adopted them officially in 1945. The phrase is bold and uncompromising.
Alaska chose “North to the Future” in 1967. This motto looks forward rather than backward. It fits a young state that only joined the Union in 1959. Alaska wanted something different from traditional mottos.
Wisconsin simply says “Forward.” Adopted in 1851, this one-word motto is direct and clear. It suggests progress and optimism. No fancy language needed.
Indiana’s motto is “The Crossroads of America.” The state sits in the middle of major transportation routes. Highways and railways pass through Indiana connecting different regions. This geographical fact became their official motto in 1937.
Hawaii uses “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono.” This Hawaiian phrase means “The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness.” King Kamehameha III spoke these words in 1843. Hawaii kept this motto when it became a state in 1959.
Mottos About Freedom and Independence
Revolutionary War ideals show up in many state mottos. States wanted to express their commitment to liberty and self-government.
Connecticut has “Qui Transtulit Sustinet.” It means “He Who Transplanted Still Sustains.” This refers to settlers who moved to Connecticut and built new communities. The motto was adopted around 1662.
Massachusetts picked “Ense Petit Placidam Sub Libertate Quietem.” This translates to “By the Sword We Seek Peace, But Peace Only Under Liberty.” That’s a long motto. It reflects Massachusetts’ role in the American Revolution. The state adopted it in 1775.
Rhode Island says “Hope.” Just one word adopted in 1664. The state seal shows an anchor with this motto. Hope anchors the soul, according to the biblical reference that inspired this choice.
State motto collections show how different regions emphasize different values. Southern states often focus on heritage. Western states talk about natural resources or frontier spirit.
Mottos About Unity and Strength
Some states chose mottos about working together. These phrases stress cooperation over individual achievement.
Kentucky uses “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.” This motto appeared in 1792. It reminds people that states are stronger together than apart. The Civil War tested this idea severely.
North Carolina has “Esse Quam Videri,” meaning “To Be Rather Than to Seem.” Adopted in 1893, this motto values substance over appearance. It suggests honesty and authenticity matter more than show.
Oregon picked “Alis Volat Propriis” in 1987. It means “She Flies With Her Own Wings.” Oregon briefly used “The Union” as a motto before returning to this Latin phrase. The current version emphasizes independence and self-reliance.
Michigan says “Si Quaeris Peninsulam Amoenam Circumspice.” This translates to “If You Seek a Pleasant Peninsula, Look About You.” Adopted in 1835, it describes Michigan’s beautiful geography. The state is surrounded by Great Lakes water.
Modern Mottos and Recent Changes
A few states adopted their mottos recently. These modern choices reflect current values rather than historical traditions.
South Carolina changed its motto in 2006. The new Latin phrase “Dum Spiro Spero” means “While I Breathe, I Hope.” It replaced two older mottos that appeared on the state seal.
Some states never officially adopted a motto through legislation. They just started using certain phrases on seals and documents. This creates confusion about what’s truly official.
Arizona uses “Ditat Deus,” meaning “God Enriches.” This refers to the state’s mineral wealth and natural resources. The motto has appeared on Arizona’s seal since 1863, before statehood.
Montana picked “Oro y Plata” in 1865. This Spanish phrase means “Gold and Silver.” Mining shaped Montana’s early economy. The motto honestly describes what brought people to the territory.
Why State Mottos Matter
These phrases show up in everyday life more than people realize. Court buildings display them. License plates sometimes include them. Official documents carry state mottos at the top.
Students learn state mottos in school. This helps them understand state history and values. A good motto sticks in your memory. “Live Free or Die” is hard to forget. “Esse Quam Videri” takes more effort to remember.
State mottos can inspire citizens during difficult times. They remind people what their state stands for. During wars or economic troubles, these words carry extra weight.
Some mottos work better than others. Short phrases in English communicate clearly. Long Latin sentences confuse people who don’t know the translation. But tradition often matters more than practicality when it comes to state symbols.
The Language of State Mottos
Twenty-three states use Latin for their mottos. This creates a classical feel. Latin connects modern America to ancient civilizations that valued democracy and law.
English mottos number around twenty-two states. These speak directly to current residents without translation needed. They tend to be shorter and punchier.
A few states chose other languages. Hawaii uses Hawaiian. Montana picked Spanish. These choices honor the cultures that existed before statehood.
State legislatures can change mottos, but they rarely do. These phrases become part of state identity. Changing them would erase history and tradition. Most states stick with what they picked generations ago.
These mottos will likely stay the same for many more years. They’re not just words on a seal. They represent how each state sees itself and what it values most.
