Colorado State Motto: Nil Sine Numine
Fact-checked • Updated December 1, 2025
OFFICIAL STATE SEAL
"Nil Sine Numine"
Nothing Without Providence
About This Motto
Colorado's state motto is Nil Sine Numine, Latin for Nothing Without Providence. The phrase appeared on the territorial seal in 1861 when Congress created Colorado Territory. It remains on the state seal today.
What the Motto Means
Translation? Nothing Without Providence. Some sources say 'Nothing Without the Deity.' Both work. Latin word numine comes from numen, meaning divine power or will.
Religious tone was standard for 1860s government seals. Many states picked Biblical or Latin religious phrases. Colorado Territory followed that pattern.
The phrase acknowledges divine guidance. Settlers crossing the Rocky Mountains faced extreme conditions. Mountain territory required faith alongside practical skills.
Historical Background
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1861 Territorial Seal
Congress created Colorado Territory February 28, 1861. Territory needed an official seal. Lewis Ledyard Weld served as first territorial secretary. Records don't specify who chose the Latin phrase.
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Seal Design Elements
Colorado's seal shows mountains, mining tools, eye of providence triangle at top. Nil Sine Numine appears on a banner ribbon. Eye of providence symbol reinforced the motto's religious meaning.
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Gold Rush Context
Pike's Peak Gold Rush started 1858. Thousands rushed to Colorado for mining opportunities. By 1861, settlements needed territorial government structure. Population jumped from scattered camps to organized towns.
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1876 Statehood
Colorado became the 38th state August 1, 1876. Centennial celebration coincided with statehood date. State constitution kept the territorial seal design. Motto stayed unchanged.
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Legal Status
Colorado law recognizes the seal and motto through state statutes. No separate motto law exists. The seal description in Colorado Revised Statutes includes Nil Sine Numine as part of official design.
Meaning & Significance Today
Modern interpretation varies. Some see historical religious acknowledgment. Others view it as recognition that Colorado's development required more than human effort alone. Mountains demanded respect.
State seal appears on government documents, official buildings, driver's licenses. Nil Sine Numine shows up daily in Colorado administrative work. Most residents don't notice it regularly.
Translation debates occasionally surface. 'Providence' carries religious connotation. 'Deity' makes it explicit. Colorado maintains the Providence version officially.
Cultural Context in Colorado
1860s Religious Climate
Mid-19th century America integrated religious language into government more openly than modern practice. State seals, public buildings, official documents used Biblical and Latin religious phrases routinely.
Mountain Territory Challenges
Colorado's geography shaped settler attitudes. Peaks over 14,000 feet. Winter storms killing unprepared travelers. Mining accidents. Water scarcity. Success required skill plus luck. Settlers attributed survival to divine help.
Territorial Government Formation
Jefferson Territory formed 1859 but lacked federal recognition. Kansas Territory and Nebraska Territory both claimed parts of Colorado. Congress sorted boundaries in 1861. Nil Sine Numine appeared when Colorado gained official territorial status.
State Seal Elements
Eye of providence triangle sits at seal's top center. Shield shows three snow-capped mountains, mining tools, badge with Colorado state colors. Fasces and two axes frame the shield. Banner below carries the Latin motto.
Current Law
Colorado Revised Statutes describe the state seal including Nil Sine Numine as part of official design. No separate motto statute exists. Seal description constitutes legal recognition of the phrase.
Interesting Facts About the Motto
Fact 1 of 8
Colorado adopted its motto in 1861 as a territory, 15 years before statehood.
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records.
Official documentation of Colorado state symbols and their historical adoption. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Historical context for Colorado's state motto and seal design. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Official information about Colorado's state seal and motto from the Secretary of State. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Legal description of Colorado's official state seal including the motto. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
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