L'Étoile du Nord is the official state motto of the U.S. state of Minnesota.[1] A French phrase meaning "The Star of the North", it is the only U.S. state motto in French. Adopted in 1861, the motto was used on the state's historic flag and seal and continues to be symbolized on the current flag and seal.
History
editThe motto was chosen by the state's first governor, Henry Hastings Sibley, and adopted in 1861, three years after Minnesota's admission to the Union.[2]
Other mottos Sibley considered included "Advance with Courage" and "Be Just and Fear Not".[3]
Symbolism
editAt the time, Minnesota was the northernmost U.S. state.[3] The North Star is Polaris, which served as a beacon for explorers and guided runaway slaves.[3]
The motto was adopted in French to address the Franco-Canadian settlers and explorers of Minnesota.[4]
Usage
editIn the state seal
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In the state flag
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Until 2024, the state flag of Minnesota included the state's historic seal and thus the state motto. The new Minnesota flag, adopted in 2024, includes an eight-pointed star, its design inspired by the eight-pointed star in the Minnesota capitol rotunda and representing, among other things, the state motto.[7]
Flag of Minnesota, 1893–1957, Obverse
Flag of Minnesota, 1893–1957, Reverse
Flag of Minnesota, 1957–1983
Flag of Minnesota, 1983–2024
Flag of Minnesota, 2024-Present
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Other
editBecause of this motto, one of Minnesota's nicknames is The North Star State. The Minnesota North Stars ice hockey team chose the English translation for their name.
In 2024, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz introduced the Star of the North campaign to attract tourism and talent to the state.[8]
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ "2006 Minnesota Statute § 1.135, subd. 3(f)(1)". State of Minnesota Revisor of Statutes. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
- ↑ "Minnesota State Symbols: State Motto". Retrieved 2007-02-19.
- 1 2 3 "Good Question: Why is Minnesota the North Star State? - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2023-12-18. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "How Did "L'etoile du Nord" Become The State's Official Motto? Good Question - CBS Minnesota". www.cbsnews.com. 2019-05-07. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ Convery, William. "Minnesota State Seal | MNopedia". www.mnhs.org. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "Office of the State Of Minnesota Secretary of State". www.sos.mn.gov. Retrieved 2026-05-04.
- ↑ "The New Official Flag and Great Seal" (PDF). SERC. January 1, 2024.
- ↑ Minnesota, Explore. "Minnesota Launches "Star of the North" Campaign to Attract New Jobseekers to State". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2026-05-04.