15 Most Interesting State Mottos, Explained

The official motto of the United States is “In God We Trust,” but under that umbrella, each state has adopted its own particular saying to define itself. From words as simple as “hope” to obscure Latin phrases, these mottos are as diverse as the state themselves, and their origins may surprise you. Here are 15 of the most interesting state mottos and what they mean. 

Virginia – Sic Semper Tyrannis

Latin for “Thus always to tyrants,” Virginia’s state motto references the words that Marcus Brutus was said to have uttered after the fatal stabbing of Roman emperor Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. When Virginia adopted its seal in 1776, the newly formed state was in the throes of the American Revolution. Its seal depicts the Roman goddess of virtue standing over the figure of tyranny, alongside the state’s Latin motto — a dramatic nod toward Virginia’s valiant efforts to escape the rule of England.

Oregon – Alis Volat Propriis

Oregon’s Latin motto, “Alis Volat Propriis,” translates to “She flies with her own wings.” Although the state legislature didn’t officially adopt the motto until 1987, it was used unofficially as far back as 1854. At the time, the words were meant to honor the independence and courage of the pioneers who formed Oregon’s provisional government in the mid-19th century. The motto was changed to “The Union” in 1957, until government officials sponsored a bill to return to the original motto, which more accurately described the state’s plucky spirit.

Arkansas – Regnat Populus

“Regnat Populus,” which is Latin for “the people rule,” is just one example of the 25 state mottos expressed in Latin. “The people rule” has been Arkansas’ state motto on the Great Seal of the State since 1836, when it was made official in the state constitution. Credit for the design of the seal goes to Samuel Calhoun Roane, the recording clerk of the first territorial assembly, although it remains unknown exactly where the phrase came from.

While its origins may be vague, the motto itself is not: It refers to Arkansas’ role in both the War of Independence and the Civil War, idealizing the peoples’ values of justice, freedom, and independence. The Latin motto is nearly identical to South Dakota’s state motto, “Under God, the people rule.”

Hawaii – Ua Mau ke Ea o Ka Āiena i ka Pono

Hawaii is one of two U.S. states with a motto in an Indigenous language. (The other is Washington.) The Aloha State’s motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o Ka Āiena i ka Pono,” translates to “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” These words were first spoken by King Kamehameha III, who ruled the Hawaiian kingdom from 1825 until his death in 1854.

During his reign, Hawaii began to attract the interest of British colonizers who were keen on expanding their empire. After the Royal Navy captured Honolulu in 1843, King Kamehameha III appealed to Queen Victoria herself to disavow the actions of her men. She agreed, and when the Hawaiian flag flew over Honolulu harbor again, the king said the words that remain the state’s motto to this day.

California – Eureka

“Eureka” is a Greek word that is often associated with discovery. It’s said the Greek mathematician Archimedes invented the word when he discovered the method for accurately detecting pure gold. As the story goes, he happened to be in the bathtub at the time of his discovery, which prompted him to run naked down the street shouting, “Eureka!” — meaning “I found it!” California’s official state motto first appeared in 1849, around the same time as the California Gold Rush, when gold was discovered in the state. The state legislature officially adopted the motto in 1963.

Utah – Industry

Utah’s motto is another reference to the industrious insect that inspired its “Beehive State” nickname. The beehive has long been a symbol in the religious state, as Utah was formed by Mormon settlers who attributed their success to cooperation and hard work. So it made sense for the Utah legislature to give a nod to their state insect, the honeybee, with the straightforward motto “Industry.” Since Utah regularly ranks among the richest state in the country, it’s fair to say that this motto seems quite fitting.

Wyoming – Equal Rights

Wyoming’s motto reflects the state’s liberal stance when it came to equal rights between men and women during the 19th century. As the first state to grant women the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office, the Wyoming territory was considered quite progressive back in 1869. And as the the first state to swear in a female governor in 1924, Wyoming has a long history to back up its motto.

Maine – Dirigo

The translation for Maine’s Latin motto is “I direct” or “I guide.” Adopted by the state in 1820, “Dirigo” was inspired by the North Star — just as the North Star shines bright in the sky to guide sailors back to port, Maine is a northern state that leads its citizens to be patriotic. The state flag referenced the motto in 1901 with a white pine tree and the North Star on a simple white background, although the flag has since been replaced.

Washington – Al-ki

Washington’s motto first appeared on the state’s territorial seal, which was designed during a surveying expedition of the area. On the seal, the Goddess of Hope points toward the words “Al-ki,” an Indigenous term that translates to “bye and bye,” and later evolved to mean “into the future.” Although it was the motto for the territorial seal, Al-ki was never adopted by the state legislature and remains the state’s unofficial motto to this day.

Wisconsin – Forward

Wisconsin believes it’s leading the way to a better tomorrow, which is represented in the state’s official motto, “Forward.” The state adopted the motto in 1851 and has incorporated it into its seal and coat of arms.

Legend has it that the governor at the time, Nelson Dewey, and University of Wisconsin Chancellor John Lathrop developed the new state seal. While he was in New York City to have Lathrop’s draft cast in metal, Dewey had a chance meeting with Edward Ryan, who later became the Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice. The pair sat down on the steps of Wall Street bank to redesign the seal. It was during this redesign that the pair chose the new state motto, “Forward,” as opposed to what Lathrop had proposed, “Excelsior.”

Montana – Oro y Plata

Montana’s Spanish. motto, “Oro y Plata,” means “Gold and Silver” — a nod to the state’s illustrious mining industry in the late 19th century. Both metals played a large role in the state’s booming economy, with the presence of gold and silver lending a hand to the state’s nickname as “The Treasure State.” Montana’s universities pay homage to the state motto: Montana State University uses gold as a one of its colors, and the University of Montana uses silver.

New Mexico – Crescit Eundo

At first glance, New Mexico’s motto, “Crescit Eundo,” may seem rather cryptic. Translated from Latin to “It grows as it goes,” the motto has philosophical roots. Secretary of the New Mexico Territory William Ritch borrowed the phrase from the ancient Roman philosopher Lucretius, who wrote, “It grows as it goes,” when describing a thunderbolt gaining power as it moved across the sky. Historians theorize that Ritch believed New Mexico had great ability to grow in strength, with the same dynamism and energy as a powerful bolt of lightning.

New Hampshire – Live Free or Die

New Hampshire’s emphatic motto was borrowed from a toast given by a Revolutionary War hero. In 1809, General John Stark declined an invitation to a reunion with old war comrades due to poor health, but he sent a toast by letter stating, “Live Free or Die; Death is Not the Worst of Evils.” The phrase was well received by his comrades, who told him that the toast would “continue to vibrate with unceasing pleasure in our ears.” The popular saying was later adopted as the state’s official motto in 1945.

Minnesota – L’etoile du Nord

Minnesota’s state motto, “L’etoile du Nord,” translates to “Star of the North.” Governor Henry Sibley chose the motto in 1861, three years after Minnesota officially became a state. At the time, Minnesota was the northernmost state in the U.S., so Sibley felt the phrase was appropriate. He also appreciated that the French language gave credence to the state’s French-Canadian settlers and voyageurs, who helped to define and develop the state.

North Dakota – Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable

North Dakota’s motto comes from a famous debate between two politicians in 1830. At the time, Senators Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and Robert Y. Hayne of South Carolina were arguing about protectionist tariffs on the Senate floor. When Webster declared, “Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable,” it became one of the most famous political phrases of the time. It was so famous, in fact, that North Dakota chose the saying as its motto decades later, when it officially became a state in 1889.