First Celebrations - The first Independence Day celebrations took place in 1777, one year after the Declaration was signed, with festivities including bonfires, parades, and the firing of cannons.
National Holiday - Independence Day was declared a federal holiday in 1870, and in 1941, it became a paid holiday for federal employees.
Fireworks Tradition - The use of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day dates back to the earliest celebrations in 1777.
Today, cities and towns across the U.S. hold spectacular fireworks displays.
