Anna Jarvis was an American social activist born on May 1, 1864, in Webster, West Virginia. She is best known for founding Mother's Day in the early 20th century. Jarvis wanted to honor her own mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, who had cared for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and promoted health and wellness in her community. In 1908, Anna organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a church in Grafton, West Virginia. Her efforts led to the establishment of Mother's Day as a national holiday in the United States in 1914, celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Anna Jarvis's work has had a lasting impact on how we honor mothers today.