1852 - - - - - 1906

Founder and General Secretary

United Brotherhood of Carpenters

and Joiners of America

1881 - 1901

Father of Labor Day

Peter J. McGuire was founder of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1881 and it General Secretary until 1901. He created the largest construction / industrial international union in North America.

In the year 1881, McGuire helped to found the Confederation of American Trade Unions which later became the American Federation of Labor. He served as the AFL’s First Secretary, and served many years on its Executive Council.

During his lifetime, McGuire, the son of Irish Immigrants, traveled throughout the land fighting for workers rights, leading campaigns for protective laws.

One of his outstanding accomplishments was the establishment of the Eight-hour Day.

He is know as “The Father of Labor Day”.

Marker can be reached from North 8th Street south of Spruce Street.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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