Labor Day 2025: History of national holiday, how to celebrate in Texas

This 1899 illustration shows a steam plow in Dakota. Before tractors were developed in the early twentieth century, steam plowing was the first method of mechanized plowing and cultivating, though nearly all plowing was still done with horses. Steam plowing involved two steam traction engines, each with a drum carrying cable suspended beneath its boiler.

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Just as Memorial Day unofficially marks the start of summer for many, Labor Day is often seen as marking its end. Now that Independence Day has passed, Labor Day will prompt the next three-day weekend before students and workers generally resume their five-day weekly schedules.

Here's the history behind Labor Day and why we celebrate it.

What day is Labor Day 2025?

Labor Day is always the first Monday of September, which falls on Sept. 1 this year. It's the last day of a three-day holiday weekend.

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Is Labor Day a federal holiday?

Yes. President Grover Cleveland signed a congressional act to make Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. More than 30 states were already officially celebrating it before 1894, but not Texas. The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Is there school on Labor Day?

No, most public schools, colleges and universities are closed on Labor Day since it's a federal holiday.

Labor Day honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. Its roots can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution and the labor movement activists of the late 19th century. These activists fought for workers' rights through organized strikes, demonstrations, and rallies focused on improving working conditions.

An illustration depicts a 19th century typesetter and printers working with Stanhope cast iron printing press in print shop.

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Many modern employee benefits, including fair wages, the 40-hour workweek, paid time off, sick leave and workplace safety, were made possible through the labor movement. Labor Day celebrates American workers, unions and labor leaders.

How you can celebrate Labor Day in Texas

There's no "correct" way to celebrate Labor Day — in fact, you can enjoy the time off work to stay in bed if you so wish. But for those looking to make the most of the 3-day weekend, there are several activities that Americans have traditionally partaken to enjoy summer's last hurrah.

For one of the country's hardest-working states, Texas Heritage for Living offers a few ideas for celebrating Labor Day:

• take a day trip
• fire up the grill
• explore Texas' bodies of water
• visit a state park

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Sep 1, 2025