July 4th may not have been declared a federal holiday by Congress until nearly a decade later, but Independence Day celebrations began as soon as the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, two days after it was voted on by the Continental Congress. The first public readings were often accompanied by the firing of cannons and muskets, parades, concerts, and bonfires. Some communities even held mock funerals for King George III as a way of symbolizing the end of the monarchy’s hold on America and the triumph of liberty.
The tradition of setting off fireworks began just one year later with the first organized celebration of Independence Day in Philadephia, where a ship’s cannon also fired a 13-gun salute in honor of the 13 colonies. In addition to dazzling displays of fireworks, modern festivities usually include family and community gatherings, barbeques, parades, and concerts.
