About The Oldest Motto In America
"E Pluribus Unum" has a rich history representing America dating back to the nation's founding
A motto is a brief statement or phrase that encapsulates the guiding principles, values, or beliefs of an individual, organization, or group. It often serves as a guiding principle or a rallying cry, representing the core ideals or goals that the entity stands for or strives to uphold.
E Pluribus Unum is the first and oldest motto in America. The Center For Transformational Presence recognizes the phrase as the original motto of the United States. Arizona State University acknowledges it as America’s first motto.
"E Pluribus Unum" is a Latin phrase that translates to "Out of many, one" in English. It is a motto that has been associated with the United States for centuries and is deeply ingrained in the nation's history and identity. It expressed the determination of the colonies to make one unified nation of people from many different backgrounds and beliefs.
A committee of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams proposed the phrase to the Continental Congress on August 20, 1776. In 1782, the U.S. Congress officially adopted the phrase as the nation's motto. This took place at the Pennsylvania State House (now called Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
It has been the traditional motto of the United States since 1776 and has a significant history. E Pluribus Unum was the de facto motto of the United States from the founding period until legislation in 1956 made “In God we trust” the official motto.
The phrase dates back to the Renaissance period but was used extensively in the 13th century by Virgil. On August 20th, 1776, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin propose “E Pluribus Unum” as a national motto to be used on the Great Seal of the United States.
On July 4, 1776, these three men were appointed to a committee to “bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America.” They presented their report to the Continental Congress on August 20, 1776. For the United States, it represents the union of the original 13 colonies into a single nation. E Pluribus Unum was deliberately chosen to have 13 letters as a nod to the 13 colonies.
As far as the motto's usage on U.S. currency and seals, it first appeared on the Great Seal of the United States in 1782. It has appeared on every U.S. coin minted since 1795. The phrase is inscribed on the Seal of the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. It also appeared on paper currency like Fugio cents and the Continental $1 bill.
"E Pluribus Unum" continues to be a powerful symbol of American unity and diversity, representing the idea that despite the country's vast array of cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, there is a common identity that binds Americans together as one nation.
The U.S. national motto was changed from "E Pluribus Unum" to "In God we trust" in 1956. The current motto, “In God We Trust,” was developed by a later generation. It was used on some coinage at the height of religious fervor during the upheaval of the Civil War.
While no longer the official motto, "E Pluribus Unum" is still appears in the United States Great Seal's obverse, most American coins, over the tribune in the United States Chamber, on the flags and seals of both the House of Representatives, the Senate, the President, the Supreme Court and the Army and on the state flags of Michigan, New York, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
