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Quizzes > History

Labor Day trivia: test your knowledge of the holiday

Quick Labor Day quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jurnee WilliamsUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Labor Day themed quiz banner featuring paper art illustration on a teal background.

This Labor Day trivia quiz helps you check what you know about the holiday's origins, early parades, unions, and traditions. Answer quick questions and see the correct answers as you go. Want more to explore? Try our US history quiz, browse a national day quiz for other celebrations, or test yourself with Columbus Day trivia.

On which day is Labor Day observed in the United States?
First Tuesday in September
First Monday in September
Last Friday in August
Last Monday in August
Labor Day in the United States is celebrated on the first Monday of September, providing a three-day weekend for workers. It was created to honor the contributions and achievements of American laborers. The holiday marks the unofficial end of summer and is recognized by both federal and many state governments. For more details, see .
Labor Day was created to honor the contributions of which group?
American workers
American farmers
Military veterans
Educators
Labor Day was established to recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. It reflects the labor movements efforts to improve working conditions during the Industrial Revolution. The holiday highlights the importance of fair labor practices and worker rights. See for more context.
Who is credited with first proposing Labor Day as a holiday?
Eugene V. Debs
George Meany
Samuel Gompers
Peter J. McGuire
Peter J. McGuire, co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, proposed a day to honor workers in 1882. He suggested the holiday after seeing the parades held on behalf of the Knights of Labor. His idea led to the first Labor Day celebrations in New York City. For further reading, visit .
In which year did Congress make Labor Day a federal holiday in the U.S.?
1872
1914
1901
1894
Congress passed legislation establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law shortly after the Pullman Strike. This action was partly intended to reconcile with the labor movement following widespread unrest. More information is available at .
Which U.S. president signed the bill establishing Labor Day as a federal holiday?
Grover Cleveland
Theodore Roosevelt
Benjamin Harrison
William McKinley
President Grover Cleveland signed the bill making Labor Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1894. His approval came amid national labor unrest following the Pullman Strike. The holiday helped to ease tensions between labor and the federal government. Learn more at .
In which city was the first Labor Day celebration held?
Philadelphia
Chicago
New York City
Boston
The first unofficial Labor Day parade and celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882. Organized by the Central Labor Union, it featured marching unions, picnics, and speeches. This event set the template for future celebrations nationwide. See for more.
Which labor organization was Peter J. McGuire associated with when proposing Labor Day?
American Federation of Labor
Knights of Labor
United Auto Workers
Industrial Workers of the World
Peter J. McGuire was a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). He served as its general secretary and used his position to promote a holiday for workers. His advocacy within the AFL helped drive congressional action. More on the AFL at .
In addition to parades, what traditional activity is popularly associated with Labor Day celebrations?
Fireworks displays
Barbecues and picnics
Carol singing
Trick-or-treating
Barbecues and picnics are common ways families and communities celebrate Labor Day. These gatherings often accompany local parades and outdoor events. The holidays timing at summers end encourages outdoor socializing. Visit for more details.
Which major industrial strike influenced the federal recognition of Labor Day in 1894?
Anthracite Coal Strike
Pullman Strike
Homestead Strike
Haymarket Affair
The Pullman Strike of MayJuly 1894 was a nationwide railroad strike that severely disrupted rail traffic. Its violence and economic impact prompted Congress to act on Labor Day to appease workers. President Cleveland signed the holiday into law shortly afterward. For deeper insight, see .
Which Supreme Court case in 1905 addressed labor regulations, reflecting the era's labor issues?
Adkins v. Children's Hospital
Muller v. Oregon
Lochner v. New York
Plessy v. Ferguson
Lochner v. New York (1905) struck down a state law limiting bakers' working hours, citing freedom of contract. The ruling exemplified the Courts era of restricting labor regulations. It influenced later labor policy debates in the Progressive Era. Read more at .
According to American fashion tradition, which color is considered inappropriate to wear after Labor Day?
Blue
White
Red
Black
The adage No white after Labor Day originates from early 20th-century American fashion. It was a social rule marking the end of summer attire. Although largely ignored today, it remains a well-known tradition. Learn about it at .
What federal department plays a key role in enforcing labor laws commemorated by Labor Day?
Department of Labor
Department of Education
Department of Commerce
Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Labor, established in 1913, enforces federal labor standards and workplace safety. It administers laws related to wages, hours, unemployment, and more. The departments work embodies the goals celebrated on Labor Day. Further information is available at .
Which U.S. Senator introduced the Labor Day bill in the Senate, leading to its passage in 1894?
John Sherman
George Graham Vest
Arthur P. Gorman
James G. Blaine
Senator George Graham Vest of Missouri sponsored the Senate bill to establish Labor Day as a federal holiday. His bill passed on June 4, 1894, and was signed later that month. The legislation reflected a political response to national labor unrest. For specifics, see .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Historical Origins -

    Trace the emergence of Labor Day from its 19th-century beginnings through its establishment as a national holiday, recognizing the social and economic forces that shaped it.

  2. Recall Key Milestones -

    Memorize significant events and figures in labor history, from early unionization efforts to landmark legislation that influenced modern workplace rights.

  3. Identify Cool Facts About Labor Day -

    Discover surprising anecdotes and lesser-known trivia that enhance your appreciation of the holiday's unique traditions and celebrations.

  4. Analyze Cultural Traditions -

    Examine how different regions and communities observe Labor Day, highlighting the diverse customs and practices tied to this annual celebration.

  5. Apply Knowledge to Quiz Questions -

    Use your understanding of interesting Labor Day facts to confidently tackle labor day trivia questions and answers in an engaging quiz format.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Assess your quiz results to identify strengths and areas for improvement, turning every incorrect guess into a learning opportunity.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Origins and Federal Recognition -

    The first Labor Day parade took place in New York City on September 5, 1882, organized by the Central Labor Union to honor America's workers (US Department of Labor). Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday in 1894 after the Pullman Strike, signing it into law as the first Monday in September (Congressional Research Service). This timeline is a great starting point for labor day trivia questions about how and when the holiday was officially recognized.

  2. Peter J. McGuire's Proposal -

    Carpenter and labor union leader Peter J. McGuire is often credited with proposing a "workingmen's holiday" in 1882 as a way to promote worker unity (American Historical Association). A handy mnemonic is "McGuire's March" to recall his role in the first parade. This cool fact about Labor Day highlights the human story behind the holiday's inception.

  3. US vs. International Workers' Day -

    Unlike May 1's International Workers' Day (rooted in the 1886 Haymarket Affair), the US celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September to distance itself from socialist associations (Library of Congress). Remember "May for Marx, September for Safety" to avoid mixing up these two workers' holidays. This distinction is a common trick in labor day trivia questions and answers.

  4. Traditional Celebrations and Symbols -

    Early celebrations featured parades, picnics, and speeches by labor leaders, evolving into modern traditions like retail sales and community barbecues (Smithsonian Institution). Keep in mind that Labor Day weekend consistently ranks among the busiest travel periods in the US, a fun stat to boost your quiz score. These interesting Labor Day facts help explain why retail and leisure became tied to the holiday.

  5. Economic and Cultural Impact -

    Today, Labor Day signals the unofficial end of summer and kickstarts back-to-school shopping, generating over $8 billion in retail sales annually (National Retail Federation). A quick formula to remember: "Labor $ales = Leave summer × Last hoorah." Including these cool facts about Labor Day in your study helps you tackle any question about the holiday's modern relevance.

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