How Well Do You Know The Meanings Behind These 10 Non-English State Mottos?

The unmistakable Californian Eureka isn't English; it's Greek and translates to "I have found it!" This accurate expression is deeply connected to something that became a symbol of the state in the 19th century: gold.

It is said that the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes was doing experiments to define the density of pure gold when he decided to take a bath. Suddenly, a revelation came to his mind. According to legend, Archimedes forgot to get dressed and started to run through the streets to the joyous yell of "Eureka!"

The Gold Rush that occurred in California in the 19th century gave rise to the motto of this state. The story goes that, in 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in Coloma, and his scream of "Eureka!" was soon heard. While adopted informally much earlier, this expression became California's official motto in 1963.

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

Greek is not the only ancient language that shapes U.S. states' mottos. Latin also appears, seen in expressions like New Mexico's Crescit Eundo.

This motto in Latin translates to "It grows as it goes"and was chosen because it strongly represents the ideals and aspirations of this southwestern state. This meaningful expression was adopted as a hallmark of this region as early as the 19th century, reflected in early versions of the territorial seal long before New Mexico became one of the 50 states.

Thus, New Mexico demonstrates its belief that advancement and progress come with time and effort, a conviction held both historically and currently.

Image: Joseph Corl

Latin is here again, this time giving life to the official state motto of Massachusetts.

The Bay State's lengthy motto, Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem, has a beautiful meaning: "By the sword, we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." This expression represents the commitment the state of Massachusetts has always had, as one of the sites where the feeling of freedom and the demand for independence arose and grew.

This great motto was chosen in the late 18th century, during the tumultuous colonial era. With independence as its banner, Massachusetts has always defended the nation with strength and determination, something reflected in its motto from the earliest days of the Revolution to the present day.

Image: Pascal Bernardon

South Carolina is one of the states that has more than one motto. This state has two, both incorporated in its state seal, both adopted during the Revolutionary years, and both in Latin.

Animis Opibusque Parati carries a powerful meaning: "Prepared in Mind and Resources." This expression reflects the mental, physical, and spiritual strength colonial men had to fight in the Revolutionary War and the importance of possessing the necessary resources when doing so.

For its part, Dum Spiro Spero brings a beautiful and poetic definition: "While I Breathe, I Hope." This message of hope, which emerged in the context of the Revolution, highlights the fight was always fueled by a desire for freedom and the hope of victory.

Image: Terry Granger

No one can deny the beauty and charm of Hawaii. Its lands, volcanoes, and beaches, everything there seems magical.

Their motto, Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono, was officially adopted in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state of our country. It reflects the lifestyle of its inhabitants and their commitment to preserving their home, as we see it.

This Hawaiian expression translates to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." According to this powerful statement, the land is maintained by the right values and actions of the people who inhabit it. The people's goodness and morality are reflected in the land's health and virtue.

Image: Pascal Debrunner

Ditat Deus, Latin for "God enriches," has been with us for a long time: since Arizona became a territory in 1863. The expression was chosen during the period when the territorial seal was designed, reflecting the spiritual and religious values of the era.

In addition to that statement, the Arizona state seal also features a dam, irrigated fields, cattle grazing, a mill, and a miner. The idea of divine richness is associated with Arizona's plentiful natural resources, which have contributed to its growth and prosperity. Thus, when Arizona became one of the 50 states, this motto was chosen again, reaffirming its symbolic importance for the state.

Image: Gautier Salles

It's not all about Latin and Greek here; there is also room for Spanish. And that's the language the state of Montana chose for its official motto!

Montana is called "The Treasure State" for a good reason. As many know, Oro y Plata is Spanish for "Gold and Silver." Like Arizona, Montana chose to highlight the resources that made its development and growth possible, which is reflected in both its seal and its motto.

Thus, the state pays homage to its tradition of precious metal mining. Now you're probably wondering, "And why in Spanish?" Well, it turns out that Montana has a diverse cultural history, and the early Hispanic settlers played an essential role in Montana's mining industry during the 19th century. In fact, the state's name comes from the Spanish word montaña, which simply means "mountain."

Image: Steven Cordes

Latin is back in this list, this time to embody the powerful motto of the state of Virginia.

Adopted in the 18th century along with its seal, the motto Sic Semper Tyrannis translates to "Thus Always to Tyrants." Some sources state that this phrase was used during the establishment of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BCE when the monarchs were overthrown and expelled.

The story goes that George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers of our country, was inspired by Roman history to coin this phrase and designate it to define Virginia's ideals. Yes, you guessed right, the defiant expression was adopted in the context of the Revolution, making it clear that America would never again accept oppressive rule over its shoulders.

Image: Zachary Spears

Freedom and independence are fundamental values for our country and for each state in particular.

Thus, the state of Arkansas also plants its flag with its Latin official motto, Regnat Populus, meaning nothing less than "The People Rule." Arkansas affirms that the power belongs to the inhabitants of these lands, highlighting the importance of civil participation in the affairs of the state.

This motto, adopted in the 19th century,embodies the ideals of sovereign, democratic, consensual, and fair governance.

Image: Tommy Bond

Oklahoma became the 46th state of our country in 1907. It was in that same year that the state adopted its official motto, Labor omnia vincit, Latin for "Labor/Work Conquers All Things."

The phrase appears in the iconic ''Georgics'' by Roman poet Virgil, who expressed "Labor omnia vicit / improbus'' to support Augustus Caesar and advise Romans to work the land.

Oklahoma's motto honors the state's agricultural history and encourages perseverance in pursuing goals, reflecting the values of hard work and dedication.

Image: Peter Kleinau