Guide Note

Labor Day is observed as a day of rest and honor for the United States workforce. It became a national holiday in 1894, during an era when US industry was on the rise, fueled by a massive influx of immigrant labor. Labor Day is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Fast Facts

1. Labor Day is always on the first Monday in September
2. Began in 1883
3. One of ten Federal Holidays
4. Unofficially marks the end of summer
5. An old-fashioned custom forbids wearing white after Labor Day
6. 2008: Falls on September 1
7. 2008: Over 34 million people expected to travel at least 50 miles during the holiday weekend

• 1882: Proposed by labor leader and machinist Matthew Maguire
• 1883: First unofficial Labor Day observed by unions in New York City, on September 5
• 1884: Switched to first Monday of September
• 1885: Observance spread to other American cities
• 1887: First official Labor Day legally recognized in Oregon
• 1894: US Congress makes Labor Day a national holiday

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