'Industries of California' mural by Ralph Stackpole at Coit Tower, San Francisco, California

Labor's legacy. Labor Day

Labor Day honors the contributions of American workers and the history of labor in the United States. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, it emerged during a period of rapid industrial growth and social change. Today, Labor Day recognizes the people whose efforts have helped build communities, industries, and infrastructure across the nation. From farms and factories to railroads and construction sites, generations of workers have played a vital role in shaping the country's history.

That story comes to life in today's image, showing a section of 'Industries of California,' a mural by artist Ralph Stackpole at San Francisco's Coit Tower. Completed in 1934 as part of a New Deal public art program, the mural depicts agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and daily life during the Great Depression. It celebrates the labor and ingenuity that powered California's economy, making it a fitting tribute on a day dedicated to the people whose work continues to move society forward.