In God We Trust: The Story Behind America’s Motto

Few phrases are as instantly recognizable or as deeply embedded in the American consciousness as “In God We Trust.” Found on the nation’s currency, etched on government buildings, and invoked in times of triumph and crisis, this short motto has become an enduring symbol of American identity and faith. But how did these four simple words come to represent a nation? What is the story behind their adoption, and how have they shaped—and been shaped by—American history, politics, and culture?

The Early Roots of Faith in America

Long before “In God We Trust” became the official motto of the United States, religion played a central role in the lives of the country’s early settlers. Many colonists, particularly the Puritans, Quakers, and other Protestant groups, fled Europe seeking religious freedom. For them, faith was not just a private matter but a guiding principle for public life and governance.

Religious rhetoric suffused the founding documents, speeches, and even the architecture of the new nation. Phrases like “Providence” and references to a higher power appear in the Declaration of Independence and other foundational texts, reflecting a widespread belief in divine guidance and protection. However, the Constitution’s First Amendment also ensured that no single faith would dominate, establishing a careful balance between religion and state.

The Civil War and the Birth of the Motto

The specific phrase “In God We Trust” first gained national prominence during one of the darkest chapters in American history: the Civil War. Amid the bloodshed and uncertainty, many Americans turned to faith for comfort and meaning.

In 1861, as the nation was torn apart, a Pennsylvania clergyman named Mark R. Watkinson wrote a letter to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase. Watkinson urged that the United States recognize “the Almighty God in some form in our coins,” believing it would serve as a moral reminder and a symbol of national unity. Secretary Chase, moved by this appeal, instructed the Director of the Mint to prepare a motto reflecting this sentiment.

After some deliberation, the phrase “In God We Trust” was chosen and first appeared on the two-cent coin in 1864. The inclusion of the motto was meant to reflect the religious convictions of the American people and to serve as a reassurance during troubled times. Over the next decades, “In God We Trust” gradually appeared on more coins, though its use was inconsistent and not yet mandated by law.

From Coins to Currency: The Expansion of the Motto

While “In God We Trust” became an accepted part of American coinage in the late 19th century, it wasn’t until the 20th century that the phrase achieved its iconic status. The onset of the Cold War, with its ideological battle between the United States and the officially atheistic Soviet Union, gave new urgency to expressions of national faith.

In 1956, at the height of tensions with the Soviet bloc, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring “In God We Trust” the official motto of the United States. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the bill into law, and soon after, the phrase began appearing on all paper currency as well as coins. The move was widely seen as a way to distinguish the United States from its Communist adversaries and to reaffirm the nation’s spiritual foundations.

The Legal and Cultural Significance

The official adoption of “In God We Trust” as the national motto sparked both celebration and controversy. Supporters viewed it as an affirmation of the country’s religious heritage and a source of moral strength. Critics, however, argued that it blurred the line between church and state, potentially infringing on the First Amendment’s establishment clause.

Over the years, numerous legal challenges have been mounted against the motto’s use on currency and public buildings. Courts have consistently upheld its constitutionality, often citing its “ceremonial deism”—the notion that the phrase, through longstanding usage, has become a cultural expression rather than a direct endorsement of religion.

Culturally, the motto has become a touchstone in debates about American identity. For some, it is a cherished reminder of faith’s role in the nation’s history. For others, it represents an exclusionary gesture in an increasingly diverse and secular society. Regardless, “In God We Trust” has become an inextricable part of America’s public life.

“In God We Trust” in American Life

Beyond its legal status, “In God We Trust” resonates in the everyday experiences of Americans. It is present in schools, courthouses, and legislatures, sometimes sparking local debates about its appropriateness. State governments have passed laws mandating or allowing the display of the motto in public institutions, often as a statement of cultural or moral values.

The phrase has also become a rallying cry in times of national crisis. After the attacks of September 11, 2001, for example, public displays of “In God We Trust” proliferated as Americans sought unity and reassurance. Political leaders frequently invoke the motto in speeches, particularly during moments of challenge or uncertainty.

Artistic and Symbolic Uses

For some artists and activists, “In God We Trust” is a starting point for discussions about faith, identity, and the meaning of national symbols. For others, it is a challenge to be reinterpreted, subverted, or questioned, reflecting the evolving nature of American culture.

Criticisms and Controversies

Despite its ubiquity, “In God We Trust” has never been free from controversy. Secular organizations and advocates for the separation of church and state have long argued that the motto excludes non-religious Americans and those of minority faiths. Lawsuits have been brought challenging its use, though none have succeeded in overturning its official status.

Opponents argue that the motto sends a message of government endorsement of religion, contrary to the pluralistic ideals of the Constitution. Supporters counter that it reflects the historical reality of faith’s importance in American life and that its use is symbolic rather than coercive.

The Motto in a Changing America

As the United States continues to evolve, so too does the significance of “In God We Trust.” Surveys show that Americans remain among the most religious people in the developed world, yet the number of those identifying as non-religious is growing. The motto, once an uncontested expression of national faith, is now part of a complex and ongoing dialogue about inclusion, tradition, and the future of American society.

Some see the phrase as a vital link to the nation’s past and a bulwark against moral decline. Others view it as an artifact of a bygone era, out of step with the realities of a pluralistic, secular society. Still, its presence on every dollar bill and in the halls of power ensures that “In God We Trust” will remain part of the American story for generations to come.