e-ReferenceDesk's College and 50 State Learning Resource Guide

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West Virginia

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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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West Virginia Symbols

West Virginia Symbols

Animal, Bird, Butterfly, Coat of Arms, Colors, Day, Fish, Flag, Flower, Fruit, Gem, Insect, Military Crest, Motto, Seal, Nicknames, Soil, Song, Tree

West Virginia State Motto

"Montani semper liberi"

(Mountaineers are always free)

Adopted in 1863 .

Language: Latin

Focus: Liberty and Freedom

See West Virginia State Seal

"West Virginia's state motto was adopted as an element of its official seal. Adopted in 1863 .

The motto of West Virginia is Montani Semper Liberi, meaning Mountaineers are always freemen. It has no literary origin of note.

The phrase was suggested as the motto by Joseph H. DisDebar, the artist who created the state's Great Seal.

The motto is also used on the coat of arms for Bucaramanga in Colombia

Statute

West Virginia Constitution, Article 2, Section 2-7.

Article II. The State.
SECTION 2-7.

2-7. "Montani Semper Liberi" -- State seal. The present seal of the state, with its motto, "Montani Semper Liberi," shall be the great seal of the state of West Virginia, and shall be kept by the secretary of state, to be used by him officially, as directed by law.

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