Americans across all 50 states are prepping for the Fourth of July and, of course, the rousing celebrations that come with it.
Booming fireworks, patriotic parades, and outdoor barbeques have become annual traditions, and many employees enjoy the day off of work for the federal holiday.
July 4, also known as Independence Day, marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted and the 13 North American colonies officially separated from Great Britain.
As the Fourth of July dawns, here’s a brief rundown of what happened that day in 1776, approximately 249 years ago.
What happened on July 4, 1776?
The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, but the vote itself actually took place two days earlier, according to the History Channel.
And, rewinding just a tad further: Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee first introduced the motion calling for the colonies’ independence on June 7 of that year, the channel said.
After the Revolutionary War erupted in April 1775, a growing number of colonists had started to favor the idea of independence from Great Britain.
Independence was considered a “radical” idea at first, but it began to catch on as revolutionary sentiments were disseminated across the colonies.
In turn, on June 7, the topic was heavily debated amongst the Continental Congress delegates at the Pennsylvania State House.
The vote was ultimately postponed, but a formal statement in favor of separation was drafted by Virginia’s Thomas Jefferson, Massachusetts’ John Adams, Connecticut’s Roger Sherman, Pennsylvania’s Benjamin Franklin, and New York’s Robert R. Livingston.
Less than a month later, the delegates voted in favor of the resolution.
July 4 soon became the day widely celebrated as America’s birthday.
Why do we set off fireworks on the 4th of July?
Fireworks became a part of Independence Day celebrations the very first year the anniversary was celebrated, according to the channel.
On July 4, 1777, the Sons of Liberty set fireworks off over Boston Common and in Philadelphia the Pennsylvania Evening Post wrote “at night there was a grand exhibition of fireworks (which began and concluded with thirteen rockets) on the Commons, and the city was beautifully illuminated.”
The tradition stuck.
When did the 4th of July become a federal holiday?
While there were celebrations on July 4 in 1777, it didn’t become a federal holiday until 1870. And, it wasn’t until 1941, that it became a paid federal holiday.
Observance of the holiday became common place following the War of 1812, according to the Library of Congress, and by 1870 it had grown to be “the most important secular holiday on the calendar.”
4th of July highlights: Where to watch fireworks this holiday weekend in the Blue Water Area
What are the Michigan laws on fireworks?
Michigan law says people can set off fireworks on private property, in most cases, regardless of local rules that govern fireworks the rest of the year.
From 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. now through July 5, fireworks enthusiasts can set off consumer-grade fireworks on their property.
State officials, industry experts and law enforcement all note that there are some rules regulating the types of fireworks people can purchase and use in Michigan, as well as nationally.
Aerial fireworks, including Roman candles and bottle rockets, are not allowed at Michigan state parks, on trails and or at harbors. Smaller fireworks, like party poppers, snappers/drop pops, snakes, smoke bombs, sparklers and ground spinners, are permitted, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said.
Some fireworks are illegal even on private property. Large and explosive display fireworks typically used for public display and are locally permitted for use by professionals.
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: History of July Fourth and fireworks celebrations in America