If you’ve ever looked closely at the Alabama state coat of arms, you’ve probably seen those four Latin words curled along the bottom: Audemus jura nostra defendere. It’s a mouthful. Most people just glance past it, assuming it’s some generic "liberty and justice" fluff that every state uses to look official.
But honestly? Alabama’s motto is kinda intense.
It translates to "We Dare Defend Our Rights" (or sometimes "We Dare Maintain Our Rights"). It isn’t just a polite suggestion. It’s a challenge. While other states have mottos about growing crops or trusting in God, Alabama basically chose a "Don’t Tread on Me" vibe for its official branding.
The Woman Who Chose the Words
You might think some 18th-century founding father scribbled this down while sipping tea. Nope. The motto we have today didn't actually become official until 1939.
The real architect behind it was Marie Bankhead Owen. She was the director of the Alabama Department of Archives and History back in the early 20th century. In 1923, she was tasked with designing a new coat of arms for the state. She wanted something that captured the "spirit" of Alabamians—something terse, energetic, and a little bit stubborn.
She found her inspiration in a 1781 poem called "An Ode in Imitation of Alcaeus" by Sir William Jones. Jones was a British philologist who was pretty fed up with corrupt monarchies. His poem asks, "What constitutes a state?" and the answer involves "Men, who their duties know, / But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain."
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Owen took that "dare maintain" part and ran with it. She basically condensed a whole political poem into a four-word punchline. She then asked Professor W.B. Saffold from the University of Alabama to translate her English phrase into Latin. That’s why the motto feels so deliberate—it was literally engineered to sound tough.
Why Alabama Had to Change Its Motto
Before we had "We Dare Defend Our Rights," there was a different motto that a lot of Alabamians absolutely hated.
After the Civil War, during the Reconstruction era, the state legislature was controlled by Republicans (which, at the time, meant they were the party of the Union/North). In 1868, they dumped the old state seal and created a new one. It featured a bald eagle and a banner that said "Here We Rest."
- The Problem: Many locals felt this motto was a slap in the face.
- The Meaning: It was supposedly based on a (now largely discredited) translation of the word "Alabama" meaning "Land of Rest."
- The Vibe: To the people living through the aftermath of the war, "Here We Rest" felt passive, like the state had given up or was being told to just sit down and stay quiet.
By the time 1939 rolled around, the state was ready to ditch the "Rest" and go back to something more defiant. They readopted the original 1819 seal (which features the river system) and officially brought in Marie Bankhead Owen’s "We Dare Defend Our Rights" to go with the coat of arms.
Breaking Down the Latin
If you’re not a Latin scholar, the phrase Audemus jura nostra defendere breaks down pretty simply, but the nuances are where it gets interesting.
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| Latin Word | English Translation | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Audemus | We dare | From audere, meaning to risk or venture. |
| Jura | Rights | Specifically "laws" or "rights" in a legal sense. |
| Nostra | Our | Makes it personal to the collective people. |
| Defendere | To defend | To ward off, protect, or plead a case. |
It's worth noting that jura is plural. It’s not just one right; it’s the whole stack of them. It’s also interesting that "dare" comes first. The emphasis is on the boldness of the people, not just the existence of the rights themselves.
The Motto in Modern Alabama
Does the motto still matter in 2026? Depends on who you ask.
Politicians love to cite it when they’re fighting with the federal government. Whether it’s about gun rights, environmental regulations, or healthcare, you’ll hear "We Dare Defend Our Rights" thrown around a lot. It has become a sort of shorthand for States' Rights.
However, it’s also a point of friction. Critics often point out that throughout history, the "rights" being defended weren't always for everyone. During the Civil Rights Movement, that same motto was sometimes invoked by those opposing integration. Today, you'll see activists on both sides of the aisle using the motto to justify their causes—proving that "defending rights" is a concept that's always up for interpretation.
Where You’ll See It Today
You don't have to look far to find it.
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- The State Coat of Arms: This is the most formal use, seen on official documents and in the State Capitol in Montgomery.
- The USS Alabama: The famous battleship (now a museum in Mobile) uses the motto as its own.
- National Guard: The Alabama National Guard uses a variation of the sentiment in their branding.
- License Plates: While "Heart of Dixie" is more common, you’ll occasionally see the motto on specialty plates.
Beyond the Motto: Other Symbols
Alabama has a lot of "official" stuff, and the motto is just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want to understand the state's identity, you have to look at the whole package:
- State Nickname: The Yellowhammer State (derived from Confederate soldiers' uniforms).
- State Flower: Camellia (which replaced the Goldenrod in 1959).
- State Bird: Yellowhammer (obviously).
- State Song: Simply titled "Alabama," written by Julia Tutwiler.
What You Should Do Next
If you're a history buff or just curious about how these symbols shape a state's identity, there are a few things you can do to see this history in person.
First, if you're ever in Montgomery, visit the Alabama Department of Archives and History. It’s the oldest state-funded archives in the U.S., and it’s where Marie Bankhead Owen did her work. You can see the original designs for the coat of arms there.
Second, take a look at the Great Seal vs. the Coat of Arms. A lot of people mix them up. The Seal is the map with the rivers; the Coat of Arms is the shield with the eagles and the motto. Knowing the difference makes you a legit Alabama history expert.
Lastly, read Sir William Jones's poem. It’s surprisingly relevant even today. It reminds us that a "state" isn't just a border on a map—it's the people who are willing to stand up for what they believe is right.
Keep an eye out for those four Latin words next time you're looking at a government building. They aren't just there for decoration; they're a century-old reminder of a very specific, very Alabamian brand of defiance.