Illinois State Motto

Illinois Motto

State Sovereignty, National Union

Illinois-state-motto

The official state motto of Illinois is “State Sovereignty, National Union.” 

This motto was controversial after the Civil War when national unity was of prime importance. However, the Illinois legislature commanded that the motto remain the same, but the new design for the state seal and flag positioned the scroll so that “National Unity” is at the top. It remains unchanged and appears on the Illinois state seal and state flag.