This Month in Business History: September

 Here’s a fun peek at this month in business history:

September 2, 1789 - U.S. Department of Treasury Formed

In 1789, the United States formed the Department of Treasury. The first order of business? Repaying war debt from the American Revolution, which wasn’t cheap!

September 5, 1882 - First Labor Day Parade

The origins of Labor Day are a little murky. But one thing’s for sure -- in 1882, the first-ever Labor Day parade was held in New York City.

September 4, 1888 - The Kodak Camera gets patented

Kodak may seem like a modern company, but George Eastman, a bank clerk, developed the first camera for public use and received a patent for it way back in 1888.

September 6, 1900 - Electric Car Breaks Speed Records

Think electric cars are a thing of the future? Before Henry Ford created the Model T, Andrew Riker set a record for high speeds with his electric vehicle. These electric race cars remained on the track for years.

September 9, 1901 - The New York Stock Exchange Trading Floor Opens

The New York trading floor is a busy place and it’s been that way since it was formed. Today’s trading floor is the same one that opened in 1901. Before that, the floor was only half the size.

September 17, 1982 - First Issue of USA Today Published

In September of 1982, the first issue of USA Today was published. The paper is still read by many Americans around the country.

September 4, 1984 - Tailors Protest Sweatshops

In 1984, 12,000 tailors took to New York City streets to protest the use of sweatshops. The tailors protested poor working conditions, as well as their wage structure. Two years later, the New York government passed legislation to improve sweatshop conditions.

September 16, 1997 - Steve Jobs Becomes Temporary Leader of Apple

In 1997, Steve Jobs came to Apple as a temporary leader after leaving 10 years earlier. Jobs would go on to revolutionize the company, turning it into the one we know today.

September 22, 1997 - IBM Uses Copper in Semiconductor Production

IBM forever changed computer chips by using copper instead of aluminum in the making of semiconductors. This change would make these chips faster, cheaper, and smaller.

What does September mean in the history of *your* business?