Labor Day: America's Most Obscure Holiday? Here's What You Need To Know

Labor Day is fast approaching! But do you know why Labor Day exists at all? Let's count down important events that led to one of America's most significant holidays!

Paola Garcia
Created by Paola Garcia (User Generated Content*)User Generated Content is not posted by anyone affiliated with, or on behalf of, Playbuzz.com.
On Aug 29, 2017
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1

Protests in New York and Chicago

At the beginning of the 19th Century, as a struggling economy ate at the pockets of many business owners and employers, its consequences heavily burdened the working class with low wages and an increase in housing.

2

Unions come together and grow in influence!

Initially, labor unions were small and had little influence to throw around. But as more and more workers became unhappy with poor working conditions, labor unions increased in membership and began to merge. Ultimately forming a much larger, much more powerful force!

3

Pullman Strike

One of the most violent labor strikes in the U.S. took place in Pullman, Chicago. As protests turned violent, President Cleveland sent the U.S. Army and U.S. Marshall Service to assist and extinguish the chaos. But the violence only worsened, leaving 30 dead at the hands of the U.S. military and over $80 million in damages.

4

Central Labor Union calls for a strike on September 5th, 1882!

Workers everywhere felt overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. In protest to working conditions, the Central Labor Union organized a one-day strike in New York City. Participants were encouraged to take the day off, march in the parade, and enjoy a picnic with all attendees.

5

Not your typical strike! Labor Day was filled with picnics and concerts!

Today's protests and strikes are typically filled with angry faces and heated tempers. But the first Labor Day protest was quite different! Families took the day off and attended picnics, concerts in the park, and listened to speeches while in the company of their families!

6

Oregon becomes first state of the U.S. to declare an official Labor Day!

On February 21, 1887, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to officially declare Labor Day! Politicians quickly backed the movement in an effort to gain votes and support. The political move was successful and other states began to follow in Oregon's steps...

7

1894, President Grover Cleveland signs bill and declares Labor Day an official U.S. holiday!

As 23 states officially declared Labor Day, President Cleveland had no choice but to back the movement and signed the bill into fruition. Woo! Labor Day becomes a federal holiday!

8

"No white after Labor Day!"

Have you ever wondered where the expression, "No white after Labor Day!" came from? Well wonder no further! It was typical for members of the upper class to garner white clothing for their summer vacations. After holiday, it was time to stow away those summer white clothes and get back to work!

9

Strike, Eat, and Drink!

This Labor Day, don't forget to toast a special thanks to the many hard-working Americans that protested and fought for the rights we enjoy today. These unsung heroes paved the way to fair pay, 40-hour work weeks, and better working conditions. Thanks, guys!

Feel free to share this Labor Day trivia at your next bbq!

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