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Tennessee

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State Mottos

A list of US state slogans is available, as well as a list of US state nicknames, origin of the state names, and the state resident's names.

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Tennessee State Motto

"Agriculture and Commerce"

Adopted in 1987.

Language: English

Focus: Progress and Prosperity

The state of Tennessee's motto is "Agriculture and Commerce," taken from the wording used on the state seal. The motto was officially adopted in 1987 by Public Chapter 402 by the 95th General Assembly.

Statute

Tennessee Code, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, Section 4-1-315.

TITLE 4. STATE GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
PART 3. STATE SYMBOLS.
SECTION 4-1-315.

4-1-315. State motto.

The motto of this state shall be "Agriculture and Commerce," as proclaimed on the great seal of the state of Tennessee since 1801.

[Acts 1987, ch. 402, § 2.]

TITLE 4. STATE GOVERNMENT.
CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
PART 3. STATE SYMBOLS.
SECTION 4-1-314.
4-1-314. State motto.

(a) The great seal of the state of Tennessee shall be in the shape of a circle. The circumference of the circle shall bear the words "THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE" and in the lower part of the circumference shall be the date "1796," being the year in which the constitution of Tennessee was adopted and Tennessee became one (1) of the United States.

(b) Inside the upper semicircle of the circle shall be set the numerals "XVI," being the number of the state in chronological order within the United States; below the numerals shall be the figures of a plough, sheaf of wheat and cotton plant, emblematic of agriculture within the state; and under the base of the upper semicircle shall be the word "AGRICULTURE."

(c) Inside the lower semicircle of the circle shall be set the figure of a boat with sail, emblematic of commercial activity in the state; and below this figure the word "COMMERCE."

(d) The size of the seal embossed shall be not greater in diameter than two and one quarter inches (2 1/4") nor smaller in diameter than one and three quarter inches (1 3/4").

(e) The size of printed seals shall conform to the range of sizes as permitted by the rules of the state publication committee.

(f) Until a different rendering of this design is submitted by the governor to the secretary of state and approved by resolution by both houses of the general assembly, voting separately, the design in use as of May 17, 1987 is hereby validated and adopted, to wit:

[Acts 1987, ch. 402, § 1.]

Mottos of the States

State motto is a word, phrase, or sentence inscribed on or attached to a coin, building, or other object. A state motto expresses an important idea for a group of people within the state.

motto ('mä-(")tO)
n.

Etymology:
Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter
Date: 15th century

1: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

2: a short expression of a guiding principle