Virginia Resolution on May 15, 1776, Led to Fireworks the Next Day

A Virginia convention meeting in Williamsburg on May 15, 1776, adopted a resolution declaring the colony independent from Britain and instructing its delegates to the Continental Congress to propose that the united colonies become free and independent states.

The resolution cited the king's refusal to address colonial grievances and the British military's actions, including the seizure of property and attacks on residents. It stated that the colonies had been declared in rebellion and placed outside the protection of the British Crown.

The next day, May 16, 1776, militia members paraded through Williamsburg. Participants offered toasts to General Washington and an American victory, replaced the British flag with the Grand Union Flag at the governor's palace, and concluded the evening with fireworks.

A contemporary account recorded that the evening ended with illuminations and other demonstrations of joy, noting that the domination of Great Britain was now at an end.

Williamsburg events appeared in 13 newspapers, including four in Pennsylvania. The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, after which Williamsburg residents again launched fireworks. Boston and Philadelphia held fireworks displays on July 4, 1777, and additional cities later adopted the practice for annual independence celebrations.