Imperium in Imperio

In 1866, Ohio adopted its first motto to be incorporated into the state seal. “Imperium in Imperio" Latin for "An Empire Within an Empire."

Ohio's history has displayed that this original motto was an appropriate on for what is in actuality representative of the true heartland of the United States.

This motto was short-lived and as a result, Ohio went without a motto for the next 91 years.

It wasn't until 1958, at the urging of a 12-year-old Cincinnati boy, James Mastronardo, recommended the the quotation from the Bible - “ In God All Things Are Possible” Ohio's current state motto was adopted October 1, 1959

In 1997, the A C L U filed a suit against Ohio and its state motto, claiming that this phrase from the Bible violated the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guarantees religious freedom and a separation of church and state. Various federal courts sided with Ohio, allowing the state to retain the motto. Judges ruled that Ohio's motto was not a violation of the First Amendment.

As this blog evolves we will explore the historical and ethical content which makes Ohio the dynamic core of American values.