United States Department of Commerce and Labor facts for kids
The United States Department of Commerce and Labor was a special part of the United States government. Think of it like a team within the bigger government team. This department was created to help with important things like business and how people worked.
It started on February 14, 1903. But it didn't last forever! On March 4, 1913, this department split into two new, separate groups. One became the Department of Commerce, which focuses on business and trade. The other became the Department of Labor, which helps workers and their jobs.
The person who led this department was called the Secretary of Commerce and Labor. They were a very important member of the President's team, known as the Cabinet.
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Leaders of the Department
The Secretary of Commerce and Labor was like the boss of this government department. They worked closely with the President of the United States. Here are the people who held this important job:
First Secretary: George B. Cortelyou
The very first Secretary was George B. Cortelyou. He started his job on February 18, 1903. He worked for President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Cortelyou helped set up the new department. He left his role on June 30, 1904.
Second Secretary: Victor H. Metcalf
After Mr. Cortelyou, Victor H. Metcalf became the next Secretary. He took office on July 1, 1904. Mr. Metcalf also served under President Theodore Roosevelt. He worked hard for the department until December 16, 1906.
Third Secretary: Oscar S. Straus
The third person to lead the department was Oscar S. Straus. He started his work on December 17, 1906. Like the previous two, he also served with President Theodore Roosevelt. Mr. Straus finished his time as Secretary on March 5, 1909.
Fourth Secretary: Charles Nagel
The last Secretary of Commerce and Labor was Charles Nagel. He began his role on March 6, 1909. Mr. Nagel served under a different president, William Howard Taft. He was the Secretary when the department split into two. He left office on March 4, 1913, the same day the department was divided.
What Happened Next?
When the Department of Commerce and Labor split, it was a big change. The parts that dealt with business and trade became the new Department of Commerce. The parts that focused on workers' rights and jobs became the new Department of Labor. This made it easier for the government to focus on each area separately.
