How the State Mottos Quiz Works
Each question shows a state motto — either in its original language or in English translation — and asks you to identify the state it belongs to.
Questions alternate between two formats: original text (Latin, French, Spanish, etc.) and English translation. Both directions require different knowledge.
After each answer, you'll see the full translation, the original language, when it was adopted, and the history behind the phrase.
Which Languages Appear on U.S. State Mottos?
U.S. state mottos come from more languages than most people expect.
- Latin — the most common, used by over 20 states, including Virginia ('Sic semper tyrannis'), Kansas ('Ad astra per aspera'), and Michigan ('Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice').
- English — used by about half the states, with mottos ranging from the simple ('Hope' — Rhode Island, 'Forward' — Wisconsin) to the elaborate ('Our Liberties We Prize and Our Rights We Will Maintain' — Iowa).
- French — Minnesota's 'L'Étoile du Nord' (The Star of the North) reflects the state's French fur-trade heritage.
- Spanish — Montana's 'Oro y plata' (Gold and silver) nods to the state's mining history and Spanish influence in the West.
- Italian — Maryland's 'Fatti maschii, parole femine' (Manly deeds, womanly words) is the motto of the Calvert family, Maryland's founding proprietors.
- Hawaiian — Hawaii's motto is the longest of any state: 'Ua Mau ke Ea o ka Āina i ka Pono' (The Life of the Land Is Perpetuated in Righteousness).
- Greek — California's 'Eureka' (I have found it) comes from Greek, referencing the Gold Rush discovery of 1848.
- Chinook Jargon — Washington's 'Al-ki' (By and by, or hope for the future) is the only state motto in a Native American trade language.
The Most Famous and Most Obscure State Mottos
Some mottos are world-famous. Others are almost completely unknown — even to residents of the state.
- Most recognized: 'Live Free or Die' (New Hampshire) — from a Revolutionary War toast by General John Stark.
- Most dramatic: 'Sic semper tyrannis' (Virginia) — 'Thus Always to Tyrants.' John Wilkes Booth reportedly shouted it after shooting Lincoln.
- Most philosophical: 'Esse quam videri' (North Carolina) — 'To be rather than to seem,' from Cicero's essay on friendship.
- Most obscure: 'Crescit eundo' (New Mexico) — 'It grows as it goes,' from the Roman poet Lucretius.
- Most self-referential: 'Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, circumspice' (Michigan) — 'If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.' Michigan is literally surrounded by the Great Lakes.
More U.S. State Symbol Quizzes
Once you've worked through all 50 state mottos, there's more to explore. Try the state seals quiz — mottos appear on most seals — or the license plate slogans quiz for the informal side of state identity.
You can also test yourself on state flags, state capitals, state nicknames, and other official symbols.