As times have changed, so has how America celebrates the Fourth of July.
Independence Day photos from the early 1900s show groups celebrating at low-key public events. If the kids got a chance, they may have whipped up a fun costume complete with pretend fireworks made out of paper.
Years later, cities started to go all-in. Residents would unfold their lawn chairs along the street for the annual Fourth of July parade.
READ MORE: 35 Fireworks Photos That Are Better Than Anything You’ll Take On July 4
There might be more to the celebration, but the real attraction would be the over-the-top fireworks display that we still see in many cities today.
No matter how people choose to celebrate through the years, independence continues to be the focal point of the day.
Here is a look back at how the Fourth of July has been celebrated through the years as we honor the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026.
40 Vintage Fourth of July Photos Showing The Evolution of Celebration
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll
40 Outrageous Fireworks Names That Sound Fake, But Are Actually Real
In states where fireworks are legal to purchase, stores have to rely on creative names to entice buyers. It’s not like they can just go out and light off a test rocket to show customers.
Here are some of the best fireworks names we found when searching leading industry stores’ online inventory.
Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll