# Fireworks in the U.S. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 5, 2004, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-in-the-u-s/258419 "2004-08-05T06:35:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![citrus\_x\_paradisi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6f9a4e/32.png) [@citrus\_x\_paradisi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/citrus_x_paradisi)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2004, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-in-the-u-s/258419/1 "2004-08-05T06:35:47Z")
When did their use begin here? I ask because I am writing a story set in 1778, and am unsure if including a mention of them would be anachronistic. Thanks. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2004, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-in-the-u-s/258419/2 "2004-08-05T07:02:48Z")
> [@](#): > > Settlers brought fireworks over to the Americas around the 1600s, where they continued to be used to celebrate special occasions and to impress or scare off Native Americans. The very first 4th of July celebration was in 1777, only one year after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The United States was still in the midst of the Revolutionary War and the outcome was still uncertain, but beautiful displays of fireworks instilled a sense of hope and patriotism in the citizens of the young nation. When trade relations were established between the U.S. and China less than a century later, Chinese firecrackers became a major import in America. [Pyrouniverse history](http://www.pyrouniverse.com/history.htm) [Too much fun](http://www.twilightbridge.com/hobbies/festivals/independence/historyfireworks.htm) was had (caution, MUSIC): > [@](#): > > Pranksters in the colony of Rhode Island caused enough problems that in 1731 a ban was established on the mischevious use of fireworks. xx