The History of Fireworks!

When you think of the Fourth of July, you most likely think of fireworks! However, do you actually know the story behind fireworks?

Via the hilariously, but accurately named website AmericanPyro.com:

Sometime during the period 600-900 AD, legend has it that a Chinese alchemist mixed potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal to produce a black, flaky powder – the first “gunpowder”.  This powder was poured into hallowed out bamboo sticks (and later stiff paper tubes) forming the first man made fireworks.

They eventually made their way into the U.S.:

Early U.S. settlers brought their love of fireworks with them to the New World and fireworks were part of the very first Independence Day – a tradition that continues every 4th of July when we celebrate as John Adams had hoped “with pomp, parade….bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other.” Americans’ spirit of celebration continued to grow and in the late 18^th century, politicians used displays to attract crowds to their speeches.

Read more about the history of fireworks HERE!