The origin of Labor Day

Violence in Chicago escalated when federal troops came to break the 1894 Pullman factory strike, as illustrated in this drawing from Harper's Weekly. More than 1,000 rail cars were destroyed, and 13 people were killed.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Violence in Chicago escalated when federal troops came to break the 1894 Pullman factory strike, as illustrated in this drawing from Harper’s Weekly. More than 1,000 rail cars were destroyed, and 13 people were killed.

Tristan Wade
September 3, 2017

Most people know at least two things about Labor Day: It’s a day off of work and school and you don’t wear white after it.

But what is Labor Day all about? Here are some facts about the holiday:

  • Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September each year.

  • The holiday is dedicated to the achievements of American workers, according to the Department of Labor’s website.

  • In the summer of 1894, the Pullman Strike occurred. Railroad workers in Chicago protested declining paychecks.

  • The Pullman Strike was a face-off between the American Railway Union and the Pullman company. It was resolved with President Grover Cleveland sending troops to end the strike.

  • Congress passed legislation shortly after, making the holiday official in 1894 as an olive branch to American workers.

  • The events led to a larger awareness of worker rights and unionization.

Labor Day has been celebrated for 113 years now. Many consider it to be the “unofficial end of summer,” which isn’t officially over until September 22.

And if you’re wondering why you aren’t supposed to wear white after Monday, it’s mostly a fashion stigma. White is a color for the summer, and many consider after Labor Day to be the beginning of fall. But really, white clothing is fine anytime of the year.

Enjoy the day off Monday, but don’t forget the reason you get to relax.