5 Interesting Facts About Labor Day

You're curious about Labor Day and your students are too (...deep down inside). Luckily there are actually some interesting things to learn about it. Here are 5 interesting facts...

1. The second half of the 1800s was a dismal time for American workers. Workdays were often 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Wages were generally low, working conditions were often unsafe, and child labor was common. This led to the labor movement in the late 19th century/early 20th century, during which time Labor Day came about.
2. The labor movement began in the late 1800s when labor unions were growing more prominent and vocal. There were many unions such as those for jewelers, carpenters, cabinet makers, printers, bricklayers, etc. Large organizations such as the American Federation of Labor joined many of the smaller unions into one large powerful group. Labor Day came about during the labor movement.
   
3. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894. In the decade leading up to this declaration, many cities and some states recognized Labor Day as a holiday. But the federal government needed some convincing.
4. President Grover Cleveland made Labor Day a national holiday a couple of weeks after a major strike and boycott had crippled railroad travel nationwide. Some say it was an apparent bid to appease American workers.
5. Ten years prior to Labor Day becoming a national holiday, the first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. Approximately 10,000 workers took it upon themselves to take the day off without pay and join in a parade that showcased all of the different unions and then ended with a massive picnic, fireworks, and dancing. Annual celebrations in September have taken place ever since.

But wait, there's more! Have your students read this highly informative, highly interesting 2-page informational text passage all about Labor Day that is FREE! You can have students summarize, list facts, research further, define terms, write about it, etc. So many uses!

WANT MORE ENGAGING READING FOR YOUR STUDENTS? WANT TO HAVE THEM PRACTICE ALL 10 READING INFORMATIONAL TEXT STANDARDS SKILLS? STUDENTS KEEP REPORTING HOW MUCH THEY LOVE THE TEXTS!!! TRY BOTH VOLUMES: