New York's State Motto: "Excelsior" — Meaning and History

Excelsior — Latin for "ever upward," "higher," or "more elevated" — has been New York's motto since 1778, capturing the state's aspirational spirit.

Origins

Adopted during the Revolutionary War, it appeared on the first state seal (1777) designed by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere (not van Berckel). The seal depicted a rising sun over mountains with "Excelsior" on a banner—symbolizing the new state's ascent.

Cultural Resonance

• Longfellow's 1841 poem "Excelsior" popularized the word as a metaphor for striving against odds
• Adopted by organizations worldwide: hotels, schools, Masonic lodges, sports teams (NY Cosmos, Stanford football)
• Stan Lee's catchphrase — the Marvel legend, a NYC native, used it as his signature sign-off

Modern Usage

Appears on:

• State seal and flag
• New York State Police vehicles
• SUNY system branding
• Excelsior Scholarship (tuition-free college program)

Global Context

While used internationally as a generic aspirational term, New York's claim is the earliest official governmental adoption. The motto reflects a state historically defined by ambition—Erie Canal, skyscrapers, immigration gateway, financial capital.