The History of Labor Day

Monday, September 02, 2019
GoLocalPDX News Team

Although in dispute, the creation of Labor Day is generally attributed to machinist Matthew Maguire of Local 344 in Patterson, NJ.

Maguire is thought to have come up with the idea as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York.

Other records show the day was suggested by carpenter Peter McGuire, to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."

Labor Day Parade

Regardless of who created it, the day is "dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers."

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1885, in New York City.

By 1894 President Grover Cleveland signed the law making the first Monday in September a national holiday.

Early Labor Day street parades were intended to exhibit "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of particular communities.

Today, Labor Day offers Americans an extended weekend with events that continue to be tied to community.

Labor Day 2019 — September 2, 2019 — marks the 125th anniversary of the holiday