Do you know what the New York State motto "Excelsior" actually means?

New York's official state motto is simply one word- Excelsior. The motto appears on everything for New York including the state coat of arms, New York's state seal and state flag. So what does the motto actually mean?

One definition from Merriam-Webster says the following:

Excelsior: fine curled wood shavings used especially for packing fragile items"

I think it's safe to say that's not why New York has this as it's motto.

The other definition says the following:

Excelsior: Latin word for higher"

In 1778, the state of New York adopted a coat of arms incorporating that motto. Why? Because we are moving "ever upward" to achieve our goals. In 2020, a secondary motto was added below Excelsior on all state seals- E Pluribus Unum. This is the Latin phrase "Out of Many, One."

Are You Familiar With These New York State Nicknames?

The Empire State

The Knickerbocker State

The Excelsior State"

Wait, knickerbocker state? What does knickerbocker even mean?

According to NBA, the term "Knickerbockers" traces its origin to the Dutch settlers who came to the New World and settled in New York.

Specifically, it refers to the style of pants the settlers wore...pants that rolled up just below the knee, which became known as "Knickerbockers", or "knickers"."

"Knickerbocker" became linked to anything and everything New York over the years. The Knickerbocker name was first used in the sports world in 1845. The first organized team in baseball history was named the "New York Knickerbockers" or the "Knickerbocker Nine."

The Knickerbocker name had been an integral part of the New York scene for more than a century when the Basketball Association of America granted a charter franchise to the city in the summer of 1946. Around 1999, the nickname used mostly for the team was The Knicks.

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Traffic tickets can be annoying. Also, keep in mind that traffic tickets can carry fines and points on your driving record. Here's a look at the 10 most common traffic violations in all of New York State thanks to CDH Law PLLC.

4 Of America's Oldest Bakeries Are Here In New York State

Bakeries are an essential part of our communities, especially across New York State. Which bakeries have been around the longest? Which bakeries are the oldest?

New York State has the honor of holding the title for the oldest bakery in America. One bakery has been baking incredible baked goods since 1892. Learn that delicious history, and more, below on New York States oldest bakeries:

15 Impressively Romantic Upstate New York Hotels

Sometimes you need a romantic getaway. Upstate New York has arguably some of the most romantic weekend getaways in our country.

Here's a look at 15 of the top reviewed hotels on Trip Advisor that claim to be some of the most romantic in the state.

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Are you looking to buy chocolate for Valentine's Day in Upstate New York? Why buy it from a grocery store when you can purchase it at these 13 businesses?

 

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