Labor Day was originally established to honor and recognize the contributions of American workers and the labor movement. It emerged in the late 19th century during a period of growing labor unions and movements advocating for better working conditions, such as shorter workdays and safer workplaces. The first Labor Day celebration took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City, organized by the Central Labor Union, featuring a parade and picnic to demonstrate labor solidarity and strength

. The holiday was created amid widespread labor unrest and harsh working conditions, including long hours and unsafe environments, which workers sought to improve through strikes and rallies. Labor Day was intended to celebrate the economic and civic contributions of workers and the achievements of the labor movement, such as the establishment of the eight-hour workday and child labor laws

. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894, signed into law by President Grover Cleveland, partly as a political move to appease labor unions after significant labor conflicts like the Pullman Strike. The holiday is observed on the first Monday of September and originally focused on parades and public demonstrations of labor unity

. In summary, Labor Day was established to celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers and to promote solidarity within the labor movement during a time of difficult working conditions and labor activism.