What President Made Labor Day a Holiday?

Labor Day, celebrated on the first Monday of September in the United States, is a federal holiday that honors the contributions and achievements of American workers. However, many people may not be aware of the president who made Labor Day a holiday. This article delves into the history behind this significant day and identifies the president responsible for its establishment.

The president who made Labor Day a holiday was Grover Cleveland. Serving as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States, Cleveland was in office from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. His presidency was marked by various challenges, including the depression of the 1890s and the labor movement’s rise.

The concept of Labor Day originated in the late 19th century, with labor unions advocating for a national holiday to recognize the contributions of workers. In 1882, Peter J. McGuire, a labor union leader, proposed the idea of a national Labor Day holiday to the Central Labor Union in New York City. The following year, the first Labor Day celebration took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City.

Despite the growing support for Labor Day, it took several years for the holiday to be officially recognized by the federal government. In 1887, Oregon became the first state to make Labor Day a holiday. Over the next few years, several other states followed suit. However, it was not until June 28, 1894, that President Grover Cleveland signed a bill making Labor Day a national holiday.

The reason behind President Cleveland’s decision to establish Labor Day was multifaceted. Firstly, he wanted to support the labor movement and promote national unity. The Pullman Strike of 1894, which involved a railroad strike and led to a federal intervention, played a significant role in his decision. By making Labor Day a national holiday, Cleveland aimed to heal the nation’s wounds and show his support for the workers.

In conclusion, the president who made Labor Day a holiday was Grover Cleveland. His decision to establish this federal holiday was influenced by the growing labor movement and his desire to support American workers. Today, Labor Day remains an important day to honor the contributions of workers and celebrate their achievements.