List of U.S. state and territory mottos

Seal of California

Seal of Colorado

2008 HI Proof

2002 IN Proof

Seal of Kansas

2000 NH Proof

List of U.S. state and territory mottos presents the unique mottos used by each of the U.S. states and territories to reflect their distinct identities, values, history, and aspirations. These mottos are often found on state seals, flags, and in official documents, playing a significant role in the cultural and political life of each region.

Overview

Each U.S. state and territory has adopted a motto, typically reflecting aspects of its history, culture, or natural features. These mottos are often derived from a variety of languages, including Latin, English, Spanish, and Hawaiian, showcasing the diverse heritage of the United States. They serve not only as symbols of pride and tradition but also as a means to inspire and unify the citizens.

List of Mottos

Below is a list of mottos for the U.S. states and territories, along with their translations and brief explanations where necessary:

States

• Alabama: "Audemus jura nostra defendere" (We dare defend our rights)
• Alaska: "North to the Future"
• Arizona: "Ditat Deus" (God enriches)
• Arkansas: "Regnat populus" (The people rule)
• California: "Eureka" (I have found it)
• Colorado: "Nil sine numine" (Nothing without the Deity)
• Connecticut: "Qui transtulit sustinet" (He who transplanted sustains)
• Delaware: "Liberty and Independence"
• Florida: "In God We Trust"
• Georgia: "Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation"
• Hawaii: "Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono" (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)
• Idaho: "Esto perpetua" (Let it be perpetual)
• Illinois: "State sovereignty, national union"
• Indiana: "The Crossroads of America"
• Iowa: "Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain"
• Kansas: "Ad astra per aspera" (To the stars through difficulties)
• Kentucky: "United we stand, divided we fall"
• Louisiana: "Union, justice, and confidence"
• Maine: "Dirigo" (I lead)
• Maryland: "Fatti maschii, parole femine" (Manly deeds, womanly words)
• Massachusetts: "Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem" (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)
• Michigan: "Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice" (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)
• Minnesota: "L'Étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North)
• Mississippi: "Virtute et armis" (By valor and arms)
• Missouri: "Salus populi suprema lex esto" (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law)
• Montana: "Oro y plata" (Gold and silver)
• Nebraska: "Equality before the law"
• Nevada: "All for Our Country"
• New Hampshire: "Live Free or Die"
• New Jersey: "Liberty and Prosperity"
• New Mexico: "Crescit eundo" (It grows as it goes)
• New York: "Excelsior" (Ever upward)
• North Carolina: "Esse quam videri" (To be, rather than to seem)
• North Dakota: "Liberty and Union, Now and Forever, One and Inseparable"
• Ohio: "With God, all things are possible"
• Oklahoma: "Labor omnia vincit" (Labor conquers all things)
• Oregon: "Alis volat propriis" (She flies with her own wings)
• Pennsylvania: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence"
• Rhode Island: "Hope"
• South Carolina: "Dum spiro spero" (While I breathe, I hope) / "Animis opibusque parati" (Prepared in mind and resources)
• South Dakota: "Under God the people rule"
• Tennessee: "Agriculture and Commerce"
• Texas: "Friendship"
• Utah: "Industry"
• Vermont: "Freedom and Unity"
• Virginia: "Sic semper tyrannis" (Thus always to tyrants)
• Washington: "Al-ki" (By and by)
• West Virginia: "Montani semper liberi" (Mountaineers are always free)
• Wisconsin: "Forward"
• Wyoming: "Equal Rights"

Territories

• American Samoa: "Samoa, Muamua Le Atua" (Samoa, Let God Be First)
• Guam: "Where America's Day Begins"
• Northern Mariana Islands: "Hafa Adai" (Hello)
• Puerto Rico: "Joannes Est Nomen Eius" (John is his name)
• U.S. Virgin Islands: "United in Pride and Hope"

See Also

• Flags of the U.S. states
• Seals of the U.S. states
• List of U.S. state nicknames