Labor Day

labor day

In Honor of the Contributions of the Nations Workforce

Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894 to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers. The idea began in the late 1800s, during the height of the Industrial Revolution, when labor unions organized parades and events to recognize the strength, skill, and contributions of working people.

Today, Labor Day is often seen as both a celebration of workers and an unofficial end to summer, marked by family gatherings, local events, and community festivals.

Pitt County Government will be closed all day Monday, September 1, 2025, in observance of Labor Day.
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, as some county services may not be available throughout the day.

  1. History
  2. Celebrations & Events

History of Labor Day

The first official Labor Day celebration took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City. It was organized by the Central Labor Union and featured a parade of more than 10,000 workers who marched through the streets to show pride in their contributions. The day included speeches, food, and gatherings that highlighted the importance of fair working conditions.

By the mid-1880s, other cities and states began hosting their own Labor Day observances, and the movement quickly spread across the nation. In 1894, after years of advocacy from labor organizations, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September a federal holiday.

Labor Day also has roots in the broader labor movement of the late 19th century, when workers were pressing for shorter hours, safer workplaces, and better wages. The holiday became both a symbolic recognition of these efforts and a unifying event for communities nationwide.

Fun Facts About Labor Day

  • The September date was chosen as a midpoint between Independence Day and Thanksgiving—giving workers a holiday during a time without many national observances.
  • Labor Day weekend is often called the “unofficial end of summer”, as schools traditionally resume and many businesses marked it as the close of the summer season.
  • The idea of a national Labor Day is credited to labor leaders Peter J. McGuire of the American Federation of Labor and Matthew Maguire of the Central Labor Union—though historians still debate which man first proposed it.