Firecrackers, which were invented when ancient Chinese discovered naturally exploding bamboo, were not used in the earliest Fourth of July celebration
.“The norm before then was ‘illuminations’—where people placed candles in their windows—as well as bonfires, bells, musket fire, and loud parades,” according to fireworks savant Warren Dotz.
And of course, using explosives to send blacksmith anvils into the air.
And you thought those Roadrunner cartoons were not based on fact.
