1803 New Orleanians Become Americans

Orleanians’ passion for fireworks is equaled only by their love of parades, po boys and the every-popular New Orleans Saints. The one big difference celebrating with fireworks has been a tradition in and around the Crescent City much, much longer than any of the passions listed

The first recorded use of fireworks in New Orleans was early in the 19th century. On December 20, 1803, the American flag flew over Louisiana for the first time. On that auspicious day, 27 years after independence was achieved, locals became Americans. Being the fun-loving people they were, they celebrated with military parades, fire drills by the militia, and thunderous salutes by the artillery, not to mention numerous parties, balls and general jollification evoked by the day’s excitement. The evening ended with-what else? – a loud, colorful, magnetizing fireworks display.

Source: Buddy Stall at http://clarionherald.org/19991028/stall.htm