Today in History: First Labor Day

 Resources Enlarge 6 images in sequence. Text: PDF Download options: TIFF | JPEG (3318x4403px) | JPEG (1659x2201px) | JPEG (207x275px) Format Notated Music Contributors S. Brainard's Sons Co. Verner, H. C. Dates 1896 Location Chicago Subjects Popular Songs of the Day Songs and Music Title Labor day parade march

Today in History–September 05–the Library of Congress features the first Labor Day, celebrated on this date in 1882. Organized by New York’s Central Labor Union, a representative group made up of from many local unions, the celebration featured a parade, picnic, concert, and speeches. This event inspired others around the country. In 1887 Oregon became the first state to declare Labor Day an official holiday and the federal government followed suit in 1894. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and teaching resources related to Labor Day and labor.

Labor Day proclamations

Topics in Chronicling America – Labor Day

More Labor Day historical newspaper coverage

Labor day parade march, 1896 (song sheet)

Labor Day parade, c. 1904 (film)

More Labor Day images

The Very First Labor Day from America’s Library

Labor’s Day Inside Adams blog September 5, 2011

The First Monday of September Inside Adams blog September 4, 2010

Primary Source Spotlight: Labor

Primary Source Learning: Labor