USCIS 128:124. The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?

OpenAI. (2026).   The Nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” What does that mean?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The nation’s first motto was “E Pluribus Unum.” This Latin phrase means “Out of many, one” or “We all become one.” The motto explains the idea that many different states, people, and cultures joined together to form one united country.

The phrase was chosen during the founding of the United States after the American Revolutionary War.  At that time, the United States began as 13 separate colonies that became the first states.

Although the colonies had different economies, religions, traditions, and cultures, they united together to create one nation independent from Great Britain.  The words “E Pluribus Unum” became an important symbol of national unity and cooperation between the states.

The motto first appeared in 1776 on the Great Seal of the United States. The Great Seal is an official symbol used by the federal government on important documents, passports, treaties, and government materials.

The seal includes an American bald eagle holding arrows in one claw and an olive branch in the other. A ribbon in the eagle’s beak contains the words “E Pluribus Unum.”  The eagle symbolizes strength and freedom. The arrows represent readiness to defend the nation, while the olive branch represents peace.

The original meaning of the motto referred mainly to the states joining together into one Union.  Later, as the United States expanded westward and new states entered the country, the motto continued to represent the growing Union.

Over time, many Americans also began connecting the motto to the many different people who came to live in the United States.  Immigrants from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and many other parts of the world helped shape American society, culture, language, food, music, science, business, and government. Because of this diversity, many Americans view “E Pluribus Unum” as a symbol of unity among people from many different backgrounds, religions, races, and cultures.

The motto became especially important during difficult periods in American history.

During the American Civil War, many Americans used the idea of “Out of many, one” to support preserving the Union when the country was divided.  President Abraham Lincoln often spoke about preserving the Union and keeping the United States together as one nation.  After the Civil War, the motto continued to symbolize reunification and national unity.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, millions of immigrants entered the United States through places such as Ellis Island.  For many Americans, “E Pluribus Unum” represented the idea that immigrants from many countries could become part of one American nation while still bringing different traditions and experiences.

During both World Wars, patriotic symbols such as the flag, the Great Seal, and national mottos became important symbols of unity and national identity.

Later, during the Civil Rights Movement, some Americans connected the motto to the struggle for equality and inclusion for all citizens.  Civil rights leaders argued that the United States should fully live up to its ideals of equality, freedom, and unity for people of all races and backgrounds.

Today, “E Pluribus Unum” can still be seen on U.S. coins, government seals, official documents, military insignia, and public buildings.

In 1956, the United States adopted another official national motto: “In God We Trust.” However, “E Pluribus Unum” remains one of the country’s most important historical mottos and national symbols.

Many Americans continue to view the phrase as a symbol of unity, cooperation, diversity, immigration, democracy, and national identity.  The motto reminds Americans that although people may come from many different places and backgrounds, they can still work together as one nation.