L'Étoile du Nord
Official motto of the U.S. state of Minnesota
L'Étoile du Nord is a French phrase meaning "The Star of the North". It is the motto of the U.S. state of Minnesota,[1] and the only U.S. state motto in French. It was chosen by the state's first governor, Henry Hastings Sibley, and was adopted in 1861, three years after admission of Minnesota to the union.[2] The land that became Minnesota was the northernmost section in the Northwest Territory, and Minnesota is the northernmost state in the contiguous United States. Because of this motto, one of Minnesota's nicknames is The North Star State. The Minnesota North Stars ice hockey team chose the English translation for their name.
In the northern hemisphere, the North Star (Polaris) is a part of the tip of the handle and the brightest star of the constellation Ursa Minor (known also as Little Bear and as the Little Dipper). Ursa Minor has traditionally been important for navigation, because of Polaris being the star that is closest to the North Celestial Pole. [3]
Examples at the Minnesota State Capitol
The motto and eight-pointed star can be seen throughout the state capitol.
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The brass and translucent glass eight-pointed star symbolizing Minnesota's motto, "L’Étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North) -
Rotunda floor showing 8-pointed star symbolizing Minnesota's motto, "L’Étoile du Nord" (The Star of the North) -
Minnesota's state motto, L'Étoile du Nord, from an 1879 rendering of the state's official seal. -
Stencil at the Minnesota State Capitol -
Mural of the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota in the MN House of Representatives. -
Motto on iron railing at the MN Capitol. -
L'Étoile du Nord at the 1st Minnesota Infantry Monument; Gettysburg PA
Examples at the Minnesota History Center
The eight-pointed star can be seen in the ceiling of the Great Hall and throughout the building. Each pair of points represents the letter M for Minnesota.
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North star motif in wooden cross beams in ceiling. -
North star motif in ceiling and floor. -
North star motif as seen on floor.
