09/07/2026
Labor Day emerged in the late 19th century during the Industrial Revolution, a period of grueling 12-hour workdays, seven-day workweeks, and unsafe conditions. To protest, labor unions began organizing strikes and rallies. The very first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, with a parade in New York City. It became an official federal holiday in 1894 when Congress passed legislation—amidst the violent Pullman railroad strike—signed by President Grover Cleveland