Surrounded by fireworks as my building is at the moment (Ooh! That was a nice one!), and knowing that fireworks displays are quite old in certain parts of the world, I've been wondering just when these explosively celebratory lights were first used for patriotic purposes in the U.S. If you know, answer quickly, because it's getting a little smoky around here....

callie_ross

America's earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to the United States. Fireworks and black powder were used to celebrate important events long before the American Revolutionary War. The very first celebration of Independence Day was in 1777, six years before Americans knew whether the new nation would survive the war; fireworks were a part of those festivities. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also accompanied by a fireworks display. This early fascination with their noise and color continues today. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fireworks Jul 04 07, 8:54 PM

lanfranco

(Cough), ahem. Really? 1777? Well, I suppose that if Handel could compose the Royal Fireworks Music back in the 1740's, I shouldn't be too surprised. Thank you, callie. A silver sparkler to you! Jul 04 07, 8:58 PM

callie_ross

Thank you, lanfranco! :) Jul 05 07, 1:14 AM