4th of July

In the United States, fireworks and 4th of July celebrations are linked tightly over the 230 years since the original Independence Day. Author James Heintze noted that

The first celebrations occurred shortly after the declaration in various locales along the Eastern Seaboard. Much of the tradition inherent in the way we celebrate today was evident almost from the beginning. Sound, spectacle, and sentiment played an important role in that tradition.

Appearing officially in the 1777 Philadelphia celebration, and making a major impression on the attendees, 4th of July fireworks rounded out a very robust spectacular in what was then the heart of our nation.

The evening was closed with the ringing of bells, and at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks, which began and concluded with thirteen rockets on the commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated. Every thing was conducted with the greatest order and decorum, and the face of joy and gladness was universal.

Heintze has chronicalled a comprehensive list of early 4th of July celebrations, of interest to any US history or fireworks buff. Included in the work is this little nugget: “in Swan City, Colorado, miners blew up the town’s Post Office because they are not supplied with fireworks.” People want their fireworks!

[tags]4th of July, Fireworks, Independence Day[/tags]