(WKBN) -- We all know that Labor Day generally means a day off from work, but do you know the history behind it?

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September as a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The U.S. Department of Labor says the holiday is rooted in the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday for the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.

How did Labor Day begin?

Even before it was declared a federal holiday, labor activists and some individual states recognized it as a day to honor the achievements of workers. After municipal ordinances were passed in 1885 and 1886, a movement developed to secure state legislation.

By 1894, around half of the states had a

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