On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution making “IN GOD WE TRUST” the national motto of the United States, replacing the previous de facto official motto, “E pluribus unum.” This resolution was passed unanimously and without debate in both the House and the Senate. Just two years earlier, in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed a bill that added the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance, which previously contained no reference to religion. The origin of the phrase “In God is our Trust” can be traced back to the 1814 poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” by Francis Scott Key, which later became the basis for the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The history of the national motto “In God We Trust” dates back to the Civil War era, when the Rev. M. R. Watkinson, a Christian minister, sent a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase requesting the recognition of God on American coins. Chase agreed, and the motto first appeared on a two-cent coin in 1864. The following year, Congress authorized the mint to include the motto on all silver and gold coins. The phrase was later added to paper currency, with the first appearance on the $1 silver certificate in 1957. In 2001, the House of Representatives passed a resolution reaffirming “In God We Trust” as the national motto, highlighting its continued display on all U.S. currency and government buildings as a symbol of patriotism and historical significance.
On July 29, 1981, Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married in a lavish ceremony. The following year, on September 14, 1984, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and its reference to God inspired American patriotism after an attack on Fort McHenry. The phrase “In God We Trust” has become intertwined with various aspects of American history, from its origins in a poem during the War of 1812 to its inclusion on currency and government buildings. The motto serves as a public acknowledgment of the role of religion in national life and as a display of patriotism, according to the Free Speech Center of Middle Tennessee State University.
The phrase “In God We Trust” is significant in American history, as it represents a recognition of God’s role in the nation’s foundation and development. Its inclusion on U.S. currency, beginning with coins in 1864 and expanding to all denominations of paper currency, reflects a commitment to acknowledging higher powers in the country’s symbols and institutions. The House of Representatives’ reaffirmation of the motto in 2001 underscores its enduring presence in American culture and its continued display on currency and government structures as a sign of pride and heritage. The historical roots of the motto can be traced back to the War of 1812 and its use in the national anthem, highlighting its lasting impact on American identity.
The addition of the phrase “In God We Trust” as the national motto in 1956 reflected a shift towards emphasizing religious values and principles in American symbols and institutions. This change, coming just two years after the insertion of “under God” into the Pledge of Allegiance, marked a deliberate effort to acknowledge and honor a higher power in the nation’s official motto and pledge. The motto’s adoption during the Civil War era and its subsequent inclusion on currency and government buildings demonstrate a longstanding tradition of recognizing God’s role in American life and history. Its continued presence serves as a reminder of the country’s foundation on religious freedom and principles.
Overall, the history of the phrase “In God We Trust” in the United States is deeply intertwined with the nation’s development and identity. From its origins in a poem during the War of 1812 to its inclusion on currency and government structures in the modern era, the motto reflects a longstanding commitment to honoring and acknowledging a higher power in American symbols. The House of Representatives’ 2001 resolution reaffirming the motto as the national motto underscores its continued significance and importance in American culture. As a public recognition of the role of religion in national life and an expression of patriotism, “In God We Trust” remains a timeless symbol of America’s values and heritage.
