Most Americans don’t give much thought to the words printed on their money. The motto “In God We Trust” tends to be noticed mostly by those seeking out reasons to be offended — groups such as Americans United for Separation of Church and State that absurdly claim the motto represents an official government establishment of religion.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower made “In God We Trust” the official motto of the United States in 1956, but it was 155 years ago, in April 1864, when Congress passed legislation to imprint it on the nation’s money.