1

Eureka

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

The unmistakable Californian Eureka isn't English; it's Greek and translates to "I have found it!" This accurate expression is deeply connected to something that became a symbol of the state in the 19th century: gold.

It is said that the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes was doing experiments to define the density of pure gold when he decided to take a bath. Suddenly, a revelation came to his mind. According to legend, Archimedes forgot to get dressed and started to run through the streets to the joyous yell of "Eureka!"

The Gold Rush that occurred in California in the 19th century gave rise to the motto of this state. The story goes that, in 1848, James W. Marshall discovered gold in Coloma, and his scream of "Eureka!" was soon heard. While adopted informally much earlier, this expression became California's official motto in 1963.

2

Crescit Eundo

Image: Joseph Corl

Greek is not the only ancient language that shapes U.S. states' mottos. Latin also appears, seen in expressions like New Mexico's Crescit Eundo.

This motto in Latin translates to "It grows as it goes"and was chosen because it strongly represents the ideals and aspirations of this southwestern state. This meaningful expression was adopted as a hallmark of this region as early as the 19th century , reflected in early versions of the territorial seal long before New Mexico became one of the 50 states.

Thus, New Mexico demonstrates its belief that advancement and progress come with time and effort, a conviction held both historically and currently.

3

Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem

Image: Pascal Bernardon

Latin is here again, this time giving life to the official state motto of Massachusetts.

The Bay State's lengthy motto, Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem , has a beautiful meaning: "By the sword, we seek peace, but peace only under liberty." This expression represents the commitment the state of Massachusetts has always had, as one of the sites where the feeling of freedom and the demand for independence arose and grew.

This great motto was chosen in the late 18th century, during the tumultuous colonial era. With independence as its banner, Massachusetts has always defended the nation with strength and determination, something reflected in its motto from the earliest days of the Revolution to the present day.

4

Animis Opibusque Parati/ Dum Spiro Spero

Image: Terry Granger

South Carolina is one of the states that has more than one motto. This state has two, both incorporated in its state seal, both adopted during the Revolutionary years, and both in Latin .

Animis Opibusque Parati carries a powerful meaning: "Prepared in Mind and Resources." This expression reflects the mental, physical, and spiritual strength colonial men had to fight in the Revolutionary War and the importance of possessing the necessary resources when doing so.

For its part, Dum Spiro Spero brings a beautiful and poetic definition: "While I Breathe, I Hope." This message of hope , which emerged in the context of the Revolution, highlights the fight was always fueled by a desire for freedom and the hope of victory.

5

Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono

Image: Pascal Debrunner

No one can deny the beauty and charm of Hawaii. Its lands, volcanoes, and beaches, everything there seems magical.

Their motto, Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono , was officially adopted in 1959 when Hawaii became the 50th state of our country. It reflects the lifestyle of its inhabitants and their commitment to preserving their home, as we see it.

This Hawaiian expression translates to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness." According to this powerful statement, the land is maintained by the right values and actions of the people who inhabit it. The people's goodness and morality are reflected in the land's health and virtue .

6

Ditat Deus

Image: Gautier Salles

Ditat Deus , Latin for "God enriches," has been with us for a long time: since Arizona became a territory in 1863. The expression was chosen during the period when the territorial seal was designed, reflecting the spiritual and religious values of the era.

In addition to that statement, the Arizona state seal also features a dam, irrigated fields, cattle grazing, a mill, and a miner. The idea of divine richness is associated with Arizona's plentiful natural resources, which have contributed to its growth and prosperity . Thus, when Arizona became one of the 50 states, this motto was chosen again, reaffirming its symbolic importance for the state.

7

Oro y Plata

Image: Steven Cordes

It's not all about Latin and Greek here; there is also room for Spanish . And that's the language the state of Montana chose for its official motto!

Montana is called "The Treasure State" for a good reason. As many know, Oro y Plata is Spanish for "Gold and Silver." Like Arizona, Montana chose to highlight the resources that made its development and growth possible, which is reflected in both its seal and its motto.

Thus, the state pays homage to its tradition of precious metal mining . Now you're probably wondering, "And why in Spanish?" Well, it turns out that Montana has a diverse cultural history, and the early Hispanic settlers played an essential role in Montana's mining industry during the 19th century. In fact, the state's name comes from the Spanish word montaña , which simply means "mountain."

8

Sic semper tyrannis

Image: Zachary Spears

Latin is back in this list, this time to embody the powerful motto of the state of Virginia.

Adopted in the 18th century along with its seal, the motto Sic Semper Tyrannis translates to "Thus Always to Tyrants." Some sources state that this phrase was used during the establishment of the Roman Republic in the 6th century BCE when the monarchs were overthrown and expelled.

The story goes that George Mason, one of the Founding Fathers of our country, was inspired by Roman history to coin this phrase and designate it to define Virginia's ideals. Yes, you guessed right, the defiant expression was adopted in the context of the Revolution , making it clear that America would never again accept oppressive rule over its shoulders.

9

Regnat populus

Image: Tommy Bond

Freedom and independence are fundamental values for our country and for each state in particular.

Thus, the state of Arkansas also plants its flag with its Latin official motto, Regnat Populus , meaning nothing less than "The People Rule." Arkansas affirms that the power belongs to the inhabitants of these lands, highlighting the importance of civil participation in the affairs of the state.

This motto, adopted in the 19th century,embodies the ideals of sovereign, democratic, consensual, and fair governance.

10

Labor omnia vincit

Image: Peter Kleinau

Oklahoma became the 46th state of our country in 1907 . It was in that same year that the state adopted its official motto, Labor omnia vincit , Latin for "Labor/Work Conquers All Things."

The phrase appears in the iconic '' Georgics'' by Roman poet Virgil , who expressed "Labor omnia vicit / improbus'' to support Augustus Caesar and advise Romans to work the land.

Oklahoma's motto honors the state's agricultural history and encourages perseverance in pursuing goals, reflecting the values of hard work and dedication.

1

Olympic National Park

Image: Georg Eiermann

Let’s kick off our ranking with Olympic National Park, located in the state of Washington. The park was designated as a National Park in 1938 during Franklin Roosevelt's presidency.

What makes this National Park so remarkable? Well, it has three distinct ecosystems : the temperate rainforest (which is the only one in the contiguous United States), the rugged coastline, and glaciated peaks. This variety of landscapes brings a rich biodiversity to the area that is definitely worth visiting!

2

Joshua Tree National Park

Image: James Lee

We know it’s in the name, but did you know Joshua Trees aren’t actually trees ? They belong to a subgroup within the yucca species. These plants can live for over 150 years, and you can find them in this park, among other places.

Similar to Olympic National Park, this park features three separate ecosystems: a part is within the Colorado Desert, it also includes California juniper, the San Bernardino Mountains, and the Mojave Desert where you’ll find the famous Joshua trees.

If that wasn’t enough reason to pay a visit, you have to know that this park has one of the darkest skies in Southern California, providing an excellent opportunity to spot the Milky Way galaxy!

3

Grand Teton National Park

Image: Michael Kirsh

Located in Wyoming, this National Park is home to what is believed to be the youngest mountain range in the Rocky Mountains: they are only between six and nine million years old!

In Grand Teton, you’ll find incredibly tall mountain peaks (the highest reaching 13,770 feet) and a wide variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, gray wolves, coyotes, moose, and more.

Established in 1929, the park was later combined with the Jackson Hole National Monument, in 1943. Today, the town of Jackson Hole, located to the south of Grand Teton is the main hub of activity in the area. And, if you visit, you can actually make it a two-for-one trip because it's only 10 miles away from Yellowstone National Park, which will be featured later in this list!

4

Acadia National Park

Image: Raphael Assouline

Acadia National Park receives over 3.5 million visitors each year, and that has secured a position in this ranking. The park features granite mountains, rocky coastlines, ponds, lakes, and all kinds of plants and wildlife. It is an Atlantic shoreline beauty!

The park was first named Sieur de Monts National Monument by President Wilson in 1916. In 1919, it was renamed Lafayette National Park, but that wasn’t the end of it. In 1929, the name officially changed to Acadia National Park, honoring "Arcadia," a region in Greece that is pretty similar to the park!

5

Yosemite National Park

Image: Jota Lao

Although it is not one of the top three most visited national parks in our country, the park’s popularity is undeniable because it was the one park that paved the way for the National Park System as we know it today. The establishment of this area as a national park is largely credited to John Muir, a Scottish naturalist who recorded the beauty of the area and raised awareness around it.

Today, Yosemite covers an area of 759,600 acres and is home to granite cliffs, giant sequoias, mountains, glaciers, streams, and waterfalls. It is predominantly classified as wilderness and is, of course, a protected area.

6

Rocky Mountain National Park

Image: Lauren Lopes

This national park is a gem in Colorado and the 4.5 million visitors it receives each year is a testament to that. The park boasts rugged mountain terrain, alpine lakes, and dense forests—making it simply breathtaking.

It was established in 1915, and it is home to Longs Peak , which stands at an impressive 14,259 feet, and the famous Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the country! Besides, this park is home to over a thousand types of wildflowers and 280 species of birds, just to mention a few details that make it an incredible place in America!

7

Yellowstone National Park

Image: Nicolasintravel

Yellowstone National Park is a true icon of the American West, and with over 4 million visitors each year, it’s easy to see why. The park lies across Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and it showcases wilderness at its best: geysers, hot springs, rivers, and canyons co-exist within the area. It is also home to the famous Old Faithful , the visitor’s favorite: an ever-erupting geyser!

Yellowstone holds the honor of being the very first national park in the world, having been established in 1872. The idea of preserving this vast and unique landscape for future generations was revolutionary at the time, and it laid the groundwork for the global national park movement. Have you had the chance to visit it yet?

8

Zion National Park

Image: Jamie Hagan

This deserted wonderland is located in Utah and it is known for the towering red sandstone cliffs and deep canyons as well as the glowy rock formations .

Established in 1919, it was Utah’s first National Park, and it is home to over 100 miles of trails. Car access to the park is limited, so there are plenty of hiking trails within the area. Moreover, this park is home to the second largest freestanding arch in the world which is 287 feet in length.

If you visit the park, you will surely make a stop at the Zion Lodge. But, did you know this is not the original construction? The original structure was struck by a fire in 1960, so the one you see today is actually a second version of it!

9

Grand Canyon National Park

Image: Michael Kirsh

You probably thought this was the most visited park in our country, but there’s another that holds that title! As for the Grand Canyon, it still is incredibly popular, and receives over 6 million visitors every year!

Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon stretches 277 miles long and a mile deep. It was established in 1919 and it is only second in the ranking due to the powerful and awe-inspiring sights. That’s why it is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World .

Across the canyon, visitors can enjoy the Colorado River, where water carves layers of rock that have been in the area for millions of years. No words can capture its beauty, you just have to visit it to understand it.

10

Great Smoky Mountains

Image: Micah Williams

To close our ranking, we present the most visited National Park in America: the Great Smoky Mountains. Did you guess it right? Even if you did, you would have never guessed the number of visitors right: a shocking 13 million visitors a year ! Now, the reasons? Almost as many as its visitors.

The National Park was established in 1934, but the mountains that are housed in it were formed millions of years ago. It spans the borders between North Carolina and Tennessee and it is best known for its mist-covered mountains, lush forests, and the remarkable biodiversity of plants and animals.

With 800 miles of hiking trails, among which you’ll find the Appalachian Trail, preserved historic buildings, and peaceful retreats, it’s no surprise that the number one park on our list is also a favorite among visitors. Do you agree?

1

Rabies

Image: Samuell Morgenstern

Rabies-infected people and animals cannot swallow water. This is why rabid dogs drool at the mouth, because they are unable to swallow.

In the ancient world, a "cure" for rabies involved forcibly submerging people in bodies of water to force the liquid intake . Quite often, the consequence, as you might have guessed, was death by drowning.

2

Bloodletting

Image: David Trinks

In the days when barbers were also designated surgeons, bloodletting was a common cure for multiple conditions. This gruesome technique was performed not just using surgical tools but also by using leeches , which were directly applied on the human body , to suck blood out of the wretched individuals who required treatment.

3

Madstones

Image: Atul Vinayak

Folk remedies were common in a time when seeking professional medical help was a luxury for most people. Popular in mid-19th-century America, madstones were big hairballs extracted from the guts of goats and deer .

These objects were believed to possess medicinal properties, such as curing rabies and serving as an antidote to various poisons.

4

Chloroform

Image: Carlos Felipe Ramírez Mesa

Many substances that we now recognize as poisonous were once believed to be beneficial to health. During the 19th century, chloroform was commonly used as an anesthetic in surgeries .

However, later studies revealed that long-term exposure to chloroform could cause liver and kidney damage, respiratory depression, and may even increase the risk of cancer.

5

Arsenic

Image: Denise Chan

Another poisonous substance once thought to be beneficial was arsenic, which was used to treat malaria, syphilis, and other ailments during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, it was later discovered that arsenic exposure could lead to poisoning, causing severe health complications and even death.

6

Mercury

Image: Benjamin Hibbert-Hingston

Similar to chloroform and arsenic, mercury was once thought to be beneficial to the human body. However, as scientific understanding advanced, its harmful effects became widely known .

Today, we know that mercury is highly toxic and can cause severe damage to the kidneys and nervous system.

7

Urine

Image: Fotografía de Alimentos

Drinking urine for medicinal purposes was common in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was believed to have therapeutic benefits and was used as a remedy for various health conditions, including kidney and liver problems .

8

Trepanning

Image: Mathew Schwartz

Trepanning, a common medical practice in ancient civilizations, involved drilling a hole in the skull to relieve pressure or treat a variety of medical ailments such as headaches, seizures, and mental disorders .

However, due to the lack of modern anesthesia and surgical tools, the procedure was extremely dangerous and carried significant risks.

9

Cupping

Image: Katherine Hanlon

Creating a vacuum on the skin using heated glass cups was a popular therapy for various conditions, including pain, inflammation, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders . While not a particularly harmful technique, aside from the markings left on the skin, its benefits have not been scientifically proven.

10

Mummy powder

Image: Narciso Arellano

In medieval times, it was commonly believed that "mummy powder" possessed healing properties. This substance was made from ground mummies obtained from Egypt and was thought to be particularly effective in treating wounds, headaches, and digestive issues .

11

Nightshade

Image: Georg Eiermann

Nightshade is a poisonous plant with soothing properties, which was used as a pain reliever as it can induce a state of calm in the user.

However, this plant is also highly toxic and can cause hallucinations, delirium, and even death if consumed in large quantities.

12

Tobacco

Image: Juano colombo

It might be hard to believe today, but back in the 1600s, schoolchildren were encouraged to smoke cigarettes , which were then thought to be disinfectants.

Cigarettes were also believed to be beneficial for both the lungs and the mind. Thankfully, we now know better.