Fireworks and the Fourth: How a Founding Father from Charleston helped start the tradition

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- The sky will be illuminated with the pop, sizzle, and bang of colorful fireworks all across the United States on Thursday as Americans celebrate Independence Day.

But, did you know the annual tradition can be traced back to William Henry Drayton, a Founding Father from Charleston?

Drayton, the son of a wealthy planter and daughter of South Carolina’s lieutenant governor, was born at Drayton Hall in Charleston in 1742. After leaving for England at the age of ten to complete his education, he returned home in 1763.

Nearly ten years later, in January 1775, Drayton won a seat in the Provincial Congress and became a leading advocate for American independence. On Feb. 6, 1776, he became the first prominent South Carolinian to openly call for the colonies to separate from Great Britain during a speech to the Provincial Congress.

After America declared independence, he was appointed to the Continental Congress.

As delegates debated how to celebrate America’s newfound independence, two ideas emerged — both from South Carolinians.

Drayton argued that the day should be celebrated with “certain grand fireworks,” while Henry Laurens proposed the day should be one of “fasting and mourning,” according to the Drayton Hall Preservation Trust.

Drayton’s idea won and it came to fruition with a brilliant fireworks display in Philadelphia on July 4, 1778.

Fireworks have been associated with Independence Day ever since.