The History of Independence Day Fireworks

Since the very beginning of the United States, fireworks have been an iconic symbol of celebration throughout the nation on Independence Day, but how did fireworks become such a ubiquitous tradition?

Why are fireworks used on Independence Day?

The Chinese unintentionally invented gunpowder around 800 AD, and later used this new compound to make fireworks, however, fireworks were not much more than a packet of gunpowder that was thrown onto a fire to produce an explosion.

Several centuries later, fireworks were further developed and were transformed into an aerial display, rather than a noisy fire, but color had not yet been discovered and added to fireworks; every firework was simply an orange flame and explosion, even well into the independent years of the United States.

One notable American figure, Robert Fulton, once made his own fireworks. After the Thirteen Colonies declared independence on July 4th, 1776, candles were one way in which Americans celebrated their independence. Robert Fulton, also being accustomed to this form of celebration, planned to illuminate the windows of his home on the second anniversary, in 1778. His plans were nullified when a notice requested the citizens of his city to not illuminate their windows with candles, as candles had become a scarcity.

Intending to not disrespect the genuine requests of the authorities, yet determined to celebrate such a significant event, Fulton exchanged his candles for gunpowder and pasteboard, and using his understanding of gunpowder and knowledge in arithmetic, he assembled his own fireworks and put on a firework display in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the evening of July 4th, 1778!

It is likely that many Americans’ fireworks displays helped establish fireworks as a prevalent symbol of American independence, however, Fulton’s unassisted production of fireworks was remarkable, especially considering that he was only twelve years old at the time!

I do not recommend that you attempt to make your own fireworks, as the failures of fireworks have been known to cause severe bodily harm and even death, besides the potential that it is illegal in your area.

The discovery in the 1830s that the addition of specific metals to the gunpowder to alter the color of the flame progressed us into the modern era of fireworks, though there has been much more firework development in recent times. It takes more than placing gunpowder and dyes into a packet to create an elaborate, modern firework complete with colors, patterns, and effects.

I hope that broadens your understanding about the history of the traditions of this American Holiday! I hope you have a great Independence Day as we celebrate the United States’ 246th anniversary this year!

Onward American 🇺🇸

Source: Evolution of Fireworks

Source: History of Fireworks

Source: Four American Inventors