What's the Story Behind America's Independence Day?

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Tomorrow is July 4th, America's Independence Day. Certainly, we have all heard the basic story about the American Revolution, famous events such as the Boston Tea Party and are familiar with Paul Revere's Ride.

You may NOT know that our Declaration of Independence was signed two days prior to our Independence Day Holiday. The vote to adopt the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress took place on July 2.

That still doesn't quite explain WHY we shoot fireworks and celebrate on July 4th, however.

Prior to the American Revolution, America as a colony took part in celebrations that commemorated the king's birthday. These celebrations included bonfires, processions (parades), the ringing of bells, and speeches to honor the king. Other festivities included the firing of canons and muskets.

The city of Philadelphia, PA was the site of the first Independence Day celebration, and it was held on July 4. At that time, the colonies were still in the midst of the revolution. In fact, in 1778, then General George Washington would provide double rations to his troops on July 4 to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The war was still ongoing in 1781 when Massachusetts became the first state to celebration July 4 as an official state holiday.

It would be another two years before the American Revolution would come to an end (September 3, 1783).

Fireworks themselves have their own history way before the American Revolution; in fact, history says they are documented going back to 200 B.C. In 1777, ships would fire off a 13-gun salute; The Pennsylvania Evening Post noted at the time that "there was a grand exhibition of fireworks on the Commons." A group known as "The Sons of Liberty" also set off fireworks in Boston.

However, Independence Day as a federal holiday would not be a national tradition until 1870 - nearly a century after the Declaration of Independence was drafted and approved by the Continental Congress. Ironically enough, it would be another 70 years before it became PAID federal holiday (before then it was a holiday, but not a paid holiday for federal employees).

For many of us modern Americans, the "4th" is a day to celebrate with family, food, outdoor activities and the aforementioned fireworks displays. Our nation is 249 years old in 2025, and we still remember the bravery and sacrifices made by our founders so that we can live free today.