What is the origin of Labor Day?
Americans define the economy through their economic and social achievements. Workers are the key feature of increasing the standard of living and general prosperity of the United States. The first Labor Day celebrated was on September 5, 1882, in New York City. The U.S. Department of Labor elaborates on the labor movement, the process of establishing it as a National Holiday, and the importance of the day. The Library of Congress commemorates the holiday with pictures from the past.
The significance of Labor Day has been diminished in current times. There was once a time when the holiday was closely associated with hard work and progress. This article in the Atlantic, "When Labor Day Meant Something," relates how Labor Day is now associated with a break from work or sales that are happening.
Take the time to appreciate your ancestors' hard work that has allowed America to become a prosperous nation!
For more information on labor, go to the OSU Library and check out Futurework: Trends and Challenges for Work in the 21st Century or check with OSU Library reference staff for help with locating information on labor statistics, from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for example.
- by Emily Hancz
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