Louisiana State Motto

The Louisiana state motto is written on the state flag, it’s part of the official state seal, and the words hang above government buildings. Despite all of the public displays, it’s likely that most state residents don’t know the motto.

the blue Louisiana state flag showing a white pelican and the motto union justice confidence — The Louisiana motto – Union Justice Confidence – is part of the state’s flag.

finding the history of the louisiana state motto

Historian and author Jason Theriot, a native of Louisiana, wanted to find the origin of the state motto – ‘Union Justice Confidence‘. “It’s everywhere you look,” Theriot said. “I was curious, where did it come from and what does it mean?” It turns out that the motto dates back to the beginning of the state of Louisiana in 1812. Theriot found the three words in the writings of Williams C. C. Claiborne, a territorial governor of Louisiana, and the state first elected governor. He said Claiborne, “used those words interchangeably through all of his papers, going back to the beginning in 1803,” when Louisiana became a territory.

19th century portrait of man in military uniform with dark hair — Portrait of Louisiana’s first governor, William C. C. Claiborne

You can see the three-word motto etched above the entrance to the State Capitol in Baton Rouge. The official state seal and motto is also mounted high on a wall inside the capitol. Many offices of state government display the official seal and motto.

granite design and words union justice confidence below 2 eagles — Louisiana’s official state seal and motto above the entrance to the State Capitol.

the meaning of the motto

Theriot has read volumes of historic letters written by Governor Claiborne. And after seeing the frequent use of the three words in the motto, Theriot has opinions about their significance and meaning.

Union – “He used that term union to convince the people of Louisiana to join the United States. It also meant certain things like self-government and individual freedoms.”

Justice – “He was a big law and order guy, but he believed in fairness and individual freedoms.”

Confidence – “He was trying to impress upon the local inhabitants a level of confidence in the American system of government. He was also asking the people that he governed to have confidence in him.”