Idaho State Motto: Esto Perpetua
Fact-checked • Updated December 2, 2025
OFFICIAL STATE SEAL
"Esto Perpetua"
Let it be perpetual
About This Motto
Idaho's state motto is Esto Perpetua. Latin phrase translates to Let it be perpetual. Legislature adopted it March 14, 1891 as part of state seal design.
What the Motto Means
Esto Perpetua. Two Latin words. Esto comes from the Latin verb esse, meaning to be. Perpetua means perpetual or everlasting. Together they form a command or wish.
Translation varies slightly. Let it be perpetual captures the most common meaning. May it endure forever works too. It shall be perpetual gives another option. All three versions appear in historical records.
Emma Edwards Green designed the seal. She translated the motto as It is perpetuated or It is forever in her own words. Legislature never specified an official English version.
What does it wish to endure? Idaho itself. The state, its people, its natural bounty. Green wrote the motto breathe the prayer that the bounty and blessing of this land may forever benefit its people. Simple wish for lasting prosperity.
Historical Background
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Idaho Statehood
Idaho became 43rd state July 3, 1890. First Legislature convened December 8, 1890 in Boise. State needed official seal for documents and ceremonies. Legislature formed committee to solicit seal designs.
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Design Competition
Committee invited artists nationwide to submit designs. Prize money offered for winning entry. Emma Edwards Green entered from Boise. Born 1856 in Stockton, California. Daughter of former Missouri Governor John Cummins Edwards. Studied at Arts Students League in New York before arriving in Boise.
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Emma Edwards Green Selection
Green submitted her design in early 1891. Committee voted unanimously for her work. She won $100 prize from Governor Norman B. Willey on May 5, 1891. Legislature officially adopted seal March 14, 1891. Only woman to design a state seal in United States history.
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Seal Design Details
Seal shows woman representing liberty, justice, equality. Miner with pick and shovel for mining industry. Shield displays mountains, river (Snake River), pine trees. Elk head rises above shield. Wild syringa grows at woman's feet. Star above signifies new state. Motto Esto Perpetua appears on banner below.
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Origin of the Phrase
Motto comes from Paolo Sarpi. Venetian theologian and mathematician. Born August 14, 1552. Died January 14, 1623. Also known as Fra Paolo or Father Paul. Served Venetian Republic as state theologian. His last words were Esto perpetua about Venice. Spoken day before death after dictating state papers.
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Earlier Uses Before Idaho
National Grange of Patrons of Husbandry adopted motto December 4, 1867. Farm organization based in Washington D.C. Jefferson Davis used phrase in closing of History of the Confederacy (1881). Idaho likely borrowed from one or both sources. Connection to Sarpi known but indirect.
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Why Green Chose It
Records don't explain her selection process. She consulted legislators and citizens before finalizing design. Latin gave formal weight. Phrase had American usage through National Grange. Previous Idaho territorial seals used English mottos. Green switched to classical language.
Meaning & Significance Today
Motto appears on state seal used everywhere. Official documents, driver's licenses, state buildings. Most Idahoans recognize the Latin words without knowing their Venetian origin.
Idaho flag adopted March 12, 1907. Blue field with state seal in center. Words State of Idaho on red banner below seal. Motto visible as part of seal design. Flag revised 1957 with updated seal artwork.
2007 Idaho quarter featured motto prominently. United States Mint released coin showing peregrine falcon (state raptor). Map of Idaho with star marking Boise. Year 1890 for statehood. Esto Perpetua banner across bottom.
Idaho Historical Society created Esto Perpetua Awards program. Honors individuals and organizations for preserving Idaho heritage. Awards given for outstanding accomplishments in historical preservation. Name ties back to motto's meaning about endurance.
Cultural Context in Idaho
1890 Statehood Context
Idaho joined Union during expansion era. Mining dominated economy. Gold, silver, lead found in mountains. Agriculture growing in valleys. Timber industry developing. Seal needed to show these resources. Green incorporated all major industries into design.
Latin in American Government
Many states used Latin mottos in 1890s. New York had Excelsior since 1778. Virginia used Sic semper tyrannis. Latin gave dignity and permanence. Classical education common among legislators. Ancient languages suggested timeless values.
Emma Edwards Green's Position
Unusual for woman to design government symbols in 1891. Green advocated for women's suffrage. Idaho granted women voting rights 1896. Her seal design showed man and woman equal height. Subtle statement about equality. She taught art classes in Boise after arriving 1890.
Paolo Sarpi's Legacy
Sarpi defended Venice against papal interference. Advocated separation of church and state. Friend of Galileo Galilei. Corresponded with Francis Bacon, William Harvey. Scientific researcher in anatomy and astronomy. His last words became famous across Europe and America.
Western State Identity
Idaho developed identity around natural resources. Mountains, rivers, forests shaped economy. Mining brought first settlers. Agriculture followed. Timber industry grew. Motto Let it be perpetual expressed hope these resources would last. Geography as destiny.
Seal Updates
Original seal used 1891 to 1957. Paul B. Evans redesigned seal 1957. Added more detail to figures and landscape. Kept all original elements including motto. Idaho Statutes now credit both designers: Emma Edwards Green 1891, Paul B. Evans revision 1957.
Current Law
Idaho Statutes Title 59, Chapter 10, Section 59-1005 establishes the Great Seal. Legislature adopted design by Emma Edwards Green from Boise City. Statute specifies Latin motto Esto Perpetua as required element. Law describes painting as model for seal colors and form.
Section 59-1005A credits authorship. Inscription reads: 1891 EMMA EDWARDS GREEN - PAUL B. EVANS rev. 1957. Legislature recognized both original designer and later revisions. No separate motto statute exists. Motto appears only within seal description.
Interesting Facts About the Motto
Fact 1 of 12
Idaho's motto comes from Paolo Sarpi's dying words about Venice in 1623.
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 reference document on Idaho's state motto history and Paolo Sarpi origin. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Official statute describing Idaho's Great Seal (Title 59, Chapter 10, Section 59-1005). • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Official Idaho government information on state symbols and motto. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Biography of Paolo Sarpi and context for Esto Perpetua phrase origin. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Article dedicated to the Latin phrase and its various uses. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
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