West Virginia Motto
Montani Semper Liberi
The official motto for the state of West Virginia is the Latin phrase “Montani Semper Liberi,” translated into English as “Mountaineers are Always Free.”
It was adopted in 1872 with the signing of Article II, Section 2-7 of the state constitution. The coat of arms of West Virginia, which appears on the state seal and state flag, bears the motto. Montani Semper Liberi is a nod to the state’s nickname, “The Mountain State.”