Wisconsin State Motto: Forward
Fact-checked • Updated December 5, 2025
OFFICIAL STATE SEAL
"Forward"
Forward
About This Motto
The Wisconsin state motto is Forward, a simple English word adopted in 1851. The motto came from a famous chance encounter in New York City between Governor Nelson Dewey and attorney Edward Ryan. According to tradition, they sat on the steps of a Wall Street bank and chose the word on the spot. The motto appears on Wisconsin's coat of arms, Great Seal, and state flag. Wisconsin became the 30th state in 1848, and the motto was part of the 1851 seal redesign.
What the Motto Means
Forward is one of the shortest state mottoes in America. Just one word. Simple and direct. The motto expresses Wisconsin's drive to be a national leader and its commitment to progress.
The word captures the optimistic spirit of Wisconsin's early settlers and pioneers. They pushed forward into new territory, building farms and communities. They moved forward with innovation in agriculture, manufacturing, and industry. The motto tells people to keep moving ahead, to never stand still.
Today the word continues to inspire Wisconsinites. Forward means looking ahead rather than dwelling on the past. It means embracing change and improvement. The motto encourages citizens to make Wisconsin better tomorrow than it is today.
Historical Background
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1848 - Wisconsin Becomes a State
Wisconsin became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. Nelson Dewey won election as the first governor. His main job was establishing a working state government. This included creating an official state seal to emboss legal documents. The original territorial seal used the Latin motto Civilitas Successit Barbarum, meaning Civilization Succeeds Barbarism.
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1851 - The Wall Street Story
In 1851, Governor Dewey asked University of Wisconsin Chancellor John Lathrop to design a new state seal. Lathrop created a design with the Latin motto Excelsior. Dewey took the design to New York City to have it engraved. There he ran into Milwaukee attorney Edward Ryan. Both men disliked the fancy Latin motto. They sat on Wall Street bank steps and redesigned the seal themselves. They considered Upward and Onward before choosing Forward. They also added a badger.
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1863 - Appears on State Flag
Wisconsin adopted its first official state flag in 1863. Civil War regiments requested flags for battlefield use. The legislature created a dark blue flag with the state coat of arms. The coat of arms included the badger and the motto Forward on a banner above.
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1913 - Flag Specifications Codified
The legislature added precise specifications for the state flag in 1913. The design remained unchanged from 1863. The flag featured the coat of arms with Forward prominently displayed.
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1979 - Flag Modified
Wisconsin modified its flag in 1979 to make it more distinctive. The legislature added Wisconsin in white letters above the coat of arms and 1848 below it. This helped distinguish the flag from other blue state flags. The motto Forward remained on the banner. The modified design took effect May 1, 1981.
Where You See It Today
The motto Forward appears on Wisconsin's coat of arms, which forms the center of the state seal and state flag. On the coat of arms, the word sits on a white banner directly above the badger. The badger stands atop a shield containing symbols for agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and navigation. A sailor and miner flank the shield on each side.
You can see the state flag at government buildings, schools, and public spaces throughout Wisconsin. The flag flies at the State Capitol in Madison, county courthouses, and military installations. Citizens display it at civic events and parades. The Great Seal appears on official state documents signed by the governor. License plates and state websites also feature the motto.
Interesting Facts About the Motto
Fact 1 of 8
Wisconsin's motto is one of only two one-word state mottoes in America (the other is Maine's Dirigo)
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 historical documentation of Wisconsin's state symbols and motto history. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
Official legislative reference guide with detailed information about state symbols. • Accessed: December 31, 2025
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