The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. A file photo of the first Labor Day parade, which happened in New York City.

According to the Department of Labor, the first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. Oregon was the first state to pass a law recognizing Labor Day in February 1887.