Learn about the American holiday called Labor Day
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| Top 10 US Holidays—Labor Day |
| Labor Day is marked every year in the United States to honor the American worker. The day was originally all about the labor movement and is still meant to focus on everything American workers have done for their country through their continued dedication. |
| The first Labor Day was celebrated in 1882 in Boston. It was held on September fifth, which coincided with International Workers' Day. Today Labor Day falls on the first Monday in September. |
| The origin of the holiday is often debated among historians, but it is believed to have been started by the first major trade union in the country, which was New York's Central Labor Union. The holiday did not become a federal one until 1894, which was when the Pullman strike occurred. U.S. marshals and military members killed several workers during that strike. |
| The creation of Labor Day came under the presidency of Grover Cleveland, who was focused on making peace with the labor movement in the country. Just six days after the Pullman strike ended, the bill making Labor Day a national holiday was passed. |
| Before Labor Day became a federal holiday, several states passed laws creating the holiday. It started in Oregon in 1887 and then Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado followed suit. By the time it became an official national holiday, more than half of the states already had laws on the state level making it an official holiday. |
| Labor Day is generally celebrated in the United States with backyard barbecues, parades, family time, and most importantly, a day off for American workers. |
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