A brief history of a 4th of July favorite: fireworks

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Every year, Americans come together to celebrate the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified, July 4, 1776. This long-standing holiday is commemorated through barbecues, picnics, displaying American flags and patriotic symbols, and of course, dazzling firework displays.

When and where were fireworks invented? How long have they been part of the Independence Day festivities? Let us (briefly) explore the history of this summertime staple.

Firstly, what constitutes a firework? Merriam-Webster defines fireworks as devices for producing a striking display by the combustion of explosive or flammable compositions. Fireworks usually contain pellets made of color-producing salts, oxidizers, fuel, and a binder that holds it all together. Color-producing compounds used in fireworks include strontium (red), charcoal or iron (gold), barium (green), and potassium (violet). Iron powder is often used in sparklers, and zirconium is used in “waterfall” fireworks.

The origin of these spectacularly dazzling pyrotechnics dates back to the Song dynasty in China, around the 11th and 12th centuries, in the form of gunpowder contained in rolled paper. Visitors to the nation noted their bewilderment upon witnessing them, stunned by what they experienced.

By the 14th century, fireworks had spread into Europe and began being incorporated in religious occasions and for public displays. As the understanding and science of chemistry came into existence, these developments changed the way fireworks were produced and improved their effectiveness.

Even in the time before the American Revolution, settlers used fireworks to mark important events. The most prominent occasion in which the combustible kaleidoscopes of color would be used was during the Independence Day Festivities on July 4, 1777.

Founding Father John Adams (1735-1826) stated that the celebration of the nation’s independence should be spectacular.

The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It out to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It out to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.

John Adams | Founding Father, 2nd President of the United States

Although he was unfortunately mistaken, only off by two days, Adams’ vision of immense, national celebrations of the founding of the United States came true. Not everyone was content with the explosive patriotism, though. Consumer fireworks began to cause issues among members of the public, leading to publicized criticism.

In one story from 1903, a Pennsylvania legislator named Charles Pennypacker sent a letter to the Philadelphia Inquirer, in which he encouraged a “safe and sane” approach to the celebration of Independence Day: “A spurious patriotism has brought a day of terror, misery, noise, destruction, and death.”

The following year, on July 3, 1904, a group of people gathered outside of Pennypacker’s home and set off fireworks shortly after midnight, disrupting the neighborhood.

Pennypacker’s concerns were not unfounded, as fireworks were and still are dangerous. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 10,000 people were seen in emergency rooms to be treated for injuries relating to fireworks in 2023, the majority of which took place in the period surrounding the Fourth of July. These concerns have grown to the point that Massachusetts banned consumer fireworks in 1943.

Since July 4, 1777, Americans across the nation gather on this day to celebrate the day the United States declared themselves free from the rule of England. Each year, we celebrate this momentous occasion with music, food, and most excitingly, vibrant firework displays. Now that you know a little more about the history of the pyrotechnic, safely enjoy your Fourth of July celebration!

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