Fourth of July: What is it and why do we celebrate the holiday with fireworks?

close

Video

Liberal media uses Fourth of July to insult America

James Golden discusses the media’s anti-America agenda on ‘Fox News Primetime’

Fireworks are nearly always a central part of our Fourth of July activities in America.

Ask most people, however, if they know where this tradition began — and they may not know the answer. 

The vision for the celebratory tradition dates back to 1776.

JULY 4TH PHOTO FEATURE: THESE PICTURES OVER THE YEARS HONOR AND CELEBRATE AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE

Here is a look back at the history of Fourth of July fireworks ahead of the holiday. 

Fireworks have a long history in the United States.  (Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images)

1. When did fireworks become popular for the Fourth of July?
2. What is the history of the fireworks tradition?
3. What actually happened on July 4, 1776?

1. When did fireworks become popular for the Fourth of July? 

In 1777, patriotic revelry rocked the first organized Fourth of July celebrations in Philadelphia — with fireworks dramatically lighting up the night sky.

"The evening was closed with the ringing of bells … and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with 13 rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated," according to The Pennsylvania Evening Post.

"Everything was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal."

Fireworks have become increasingly popular since 1777.  (iStock)

City officials in Boston also set off fireworks July 4, 1777.  

Fireworks became available for sale to the public in 1783, the Farmer’s Almanac reported, and the tradition has lived on ever since.

2. What is the history of the fireworks tradition? 

In 1776, future president John Adams imagined — in a letter to his wife, Abigail — that a sparkling sky would honor the soon-to-be independent 13 colonies every year from that point onward.

JULY 4TH QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR FACTS ABOUT INDEPENDENCE DAY?

The man who would become the second president of the U.S. wrote, in part, on July 3, 1776, "I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival.

There are many fireworks presentations on display throughout the country to celebrate the Fourth of July.  (AP)

"It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more," according to the National Archives.

Just one day later, on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

While some public recitations of the Declaration of Independence were greeted with "impromptu celebrations" from local militia in Pennsylvania and New Jersey on July 8, a formal pyrotechnics display would not light up the sky for another year, according to History.com.

3. What actually happened on July 4, 1776? 

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress. This meant the 13 colonies were independent of Great Britain. This led to the creation of the United States of America.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The Associated Press, along with Janine Puhak, contributed reporting.