The Fourth of July has been celebrated across the nation since 1776. But when — and how — did Americans across the country agree to commemorate the holiday with a fireworks celebration?

On a hot, steamy day in Philadelphia, a group of delegates to the Continental Congress gathered to celebrate the final approval of the Declaration of Independence.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming that the United States was no longer under British rule. Since then, Americans have celebrated the day each year as Independence Day,