List of State Mottos

A motto is a phrase that expresses a purpose or belief. It describes the intention or general motivation of an organization or a group. All the states in the US have a motto that appears on state flags, state seals, buildings, or coins. Some states only have mottos on their seals while other states have made their mottos official through a legislature. Below is a list of all state mottos. 

Select State Mottos

Alabama

The Alabama state motto is "We dare to defend our rights." It was approved in March 1939 and reflected the state’s history in the War of Independence and the role Alabama played in the American civil war.

Alaska

The Alaska state motto is "North to the Future." The motto reflects the northern position of the state and the excitement of future possibilities. It was coined by Richard Peters, a journalist who won the competition to design a state slogan in 1963.

Illinois

The motto for the state of Illinois is "State Sovereignty and national union." The motto reflects the independent nature of Illinois and the strength that comes with being part of a union.

Maryland

The state motto is "Manly deeds, womanly words". It came from the Calvert family who was among the initial colonizers of Maryland.

Nevada

The state motto of Nevada is "All for our country" which reflects the patriotism of the people of Nevada. It also harkens to the War of Independence as well as the role the state had in the American Civil War. The motto is part of the Great Seal and the flag.

New York

The state motto is expressed as "Excelsior!" in Latin which means "Ever Upward!" The motto reflects the hopes and attitude of the people of the state of New York after the War of Independence.

Texas

The state motto of Texas is "Friendship." The motto was adopted in 1950 and is related to the word "Texas," which itself comes from the word "tejas", which means "friend" in the Hasinais and Caddo Indigenous languages. 

Languages Used For Mottos

Some of the states have two mottos, including South Carolina which has both its mottos in Latin and North Dakota and Kentucky which both have one in Latin and one in English. The rest of the territories and states only have one motto. The languages used the most in state mottos are English and Latin.