US State Mottos

Question 1

What is Alabama’s state motto?

Answer 1

Audemus jura nostra defendere (We dare maintain our rights)

This motto emphasizes the state’s commitment to defending its rights.

Question 2

What does Alaska’s state motto ‘North to the Future’ represent?

Answer 2

Alaska as a land of promise

This motto was chosen in 1967 during the Alaska Purchase Centennial.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Arizona’s state motto ‘Ditat Deus’?

Answer 3

God enriches

This motto reflects the belief in divine providence.

Question 4

Translate Arkansas’ state motto ‘Regnat Populus’.

Answer 4

The people rule

This motto emphasizes the democratic principle of governance.

Question 5

What does California’s motto ‘Eureka’ refer to?

Answer 5

Discovery of gold

‘Eureka’ has been the state motto since 1963 and appeared on the state seal since 1849.

Question 6

What is the Latin translation of Colorado’s state motto ‘Nil Sine Numine’?

Answer 6

Nothing without providence or deity

This motto signifies the importance of divine guidance.

Question 7

What does Connecticut’s state motto ‘Qui Transtulit Sustinet’ mean?

Answer 7

He who transplanted still sustains

This motto reflects the state’s roots and resilience.

Question 8

Since when has Delaware’s motto been ‘Liberty and Independence’?

Answer 8

1847

This motto encapsulates the state’s values.

Question 9

What is Washington, D.C.’s motto?

Answer 9

Justitia Omnibus (Justice for All)

This motto reflects the city’s commitment to justice.

Question 10

What is Florida’s state motto?

Answer 10

In God We Trust

This motto is the same as the national motto.

Question 11

What are the three pillars of Georgia’s state motto?

Answer 11

Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation

These values are depicted on the state seal.

Question 12

What is Hawaii’s state motto?

Answer 12

Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness)

This motto was uttered by King Kamehameha III in 1843.

Question 13

Translate Idaho’s state motto ‘Esto Perpetua’.

Answer 13

Let it be perpetual / It is forever / Be eternal

This motto signifies a lasting legacy.

Question 14

What is Illinois’ state motto?

Answer 14

State Sovereignty, National Union

This motto reflects the balance of state and federal powers.

Question 15

What has been Indiana’s state motto since 1937?

Answer 15

The Crossroads of America

This motto highlights Indiana’s central location in the U.S.

Question 16

What is Iowa’s state motto?

Answer 16

Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain

This motto emphasizes the importance of freedom and rights.

Question 17

What does Kansas’ motto ‘Ad astra per aspera’ mean?

Answer 17

To the stars through difficulties

This motto illustrates perseverance and ambition.

Question 18

What is Kentucky’s state motto?

Answer 18

United we stand, divided we fall

This motto comes from ‘Liberty Song’ by John Dickinson.

Question 19

What is Louisiana’s state motto?

Answer 19

Union, Justice, Confidence

This motto reflects core values of the state.

Question 20

What does Maine’s state motto ‘Dirigo’ mean?

Answer 20

I direct / I guide

This motto signifies leadership and guidance.

Question 21

Translate Maryland’s state motto ‘Fatti maschii, parole femine’.

Answer 21

Strong deeds, gentle words

This Italian proverb reflects a balance of strength and compassion.

Question 22

What is Massachusetts’ state motto?

Answer 22

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem (By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty)

This motto emphasizes the importance of liberty.

Question 23

What is Michigan’s state motto?

Answer 23

Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice (If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you)

This motto highlights Michigan’s geographical features.

Question 24

What is Minnesota’s state nickname?

Answer 24

L’etoile du Nord (Star of the North)

This French phrase reflects the state’s northern location.

Question 25

What does Mississippi's motto 'Virtute et Armis' mean?

Answer 25

By valor and arms ## Footnote This motto emphasizes bravery and strength.

Question 26

Translate Missouri's state motto 'Salus populi suprema lex esto'.

Answer 26

Let the good of the people be the supreme law ## Footnote This motto underscores the importance of public welfare.

Question 27

What is Montana's state motto?

Answer 27

Oro y Plata (Gold and Silver) ## Footnote This motto reflects the state's mineral wealth.

Question 28

What is Nebraska's official state motto?

Answer 28

Equality Before the Law ## Footnote This motto signifies the principle of justice.

Question 29

What is Nevada's state motto?

Answer 29

All for Our Country ## Footnote This motto reflects patriotism and unity.

Question 30

What is New Hampshire's famous state motto?

Answer 30

Live Free or Die ## Footnote This motto comes from a statement by Revolutionary General John Stark.

Question 31

What is New Jersey's state motto?

Answer 31

Liberty and Prosperity ## Footnote This motto reflects the state's values and aspirations.

Question 32

Translate New Mexico's state motto 'Crescit Eundo'.

Answer 32

It grows as it goes ## Footnote This motto reflects progress and development.

Question 33

What is New York's state motto?

Answer 33

Excelsior (Ever Upward) ## Footnote This motto signifies aspiration and ambition.

Question 34

What does North Carolina's state motto 'Esse quam videri' mean?

Answer 34

To be, rather than to seem ## Footnote This motto emphasizes authenticity and integrity.

Question 35

What is North Dakota's state motto?

Answer 35

Liberty and Union Now and Forever, One and Inseparable ## Footnote This motto reflects unity and freedom.

Question 36

What is Ohio's state motto?

Answer 36

With God, All Things Are Possible ## Footnote This motto was chosen after a contest in the 1950s.

Question 37

What is Oklahoma's state motto?

Answer 37

Labor Omnia Vincit (Work conquers all) ## Footnote This phrase appears on the state seal but is not officially recognized as the motto.

Question 38

What is Oregon's state motto?

Answer 38

She Flies With Her Own Wings ## Footnote This motto has been in use since 1987.

Question 39

What is Pennsylvania's state motto?

Answer 39

Virtue, Liberty, and Independence ## Footnote This motto reflects core values of the state.

Question 40

What is Rhode Island's state motto?

Answer 40

Hope ## Footnote This single word encapsulates the state's spirit.

Question 41

What are South Carolina's two state mottos?

Answer 41

* Animis Opibusque Parati (Prepared in mind and resources) * Dum Spiro Spero (While I breathe I hope) ## Footnote These mottos appear on the state seal.

Question 42

What is South Dakota's state motto?

Answer 42

Under God the People Rule ## Footnote This motto emphasizes democratic governance.

Question 43

What has been Tennessee's state motto since 1801?

Answer 43

Agriculture and Commerce ## Footnote This motto reflects the state's economic foundation.

Question 44

What is Texas' state motto?

Answer 44

Friendship ## Footnote This motto was chosen in 1930 and reflects the state's name origin.

Question 45

What is Utah's state motto?

Answer 45

Industry ## Footnote This motto became official in 1959, reflecting the state's work ethic.

Question 46

What is Vermont's state motto?

Answer 46

Freedom and Unity ## Footnote This motto signifies the importance of both liberty and togetherness.

Question 47

What is Virginia's state motto?

Answer 47

Sic Semper Tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants) ## Footnote This motto reflects the state's historical commitment to freedom.

Question 48

What is Washington's territorial motto?

Answer 48

Al-ki / Alki (Bye and Bye) ## Footnote This motto has not been formally adopted by the legislature.

Question 49

What is West Virginia's state motto?

Answer 49

Montani Semper Liberi (Mountaineers are always free) ## Footnote This motto reflects the spirit of independence.

Question 50

What is Wisconsin's state motto?

Answer 50

Forward ## Footnote This motto emphasizes progress and advancement.

Question 51

What is Wyoming's state motto?

Answer 51

Equal Rights ## Footnote This motto reflects the state's history of women's suffrage.