Photo by Paul Holmes
Labor Day is a bit of a misnomer. While the holiday is devoted to workers, many have the day off. Created by the labor movement in the late 19th century, Labor Day was established to highlight the achievements of American workers, both from a social and an economic perspective. Labor Day became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day is also known as the unofficial end to summer. Labor Day weekend tends to be the last big travel weekend of the summer, benefitting towns and businesses that cater to tourists. Road trips, backyard barbecues, and enjoying the last days on the water before the cool fall temperatures settle in are staples of Labor Day celebrations.
