Remembering the American tradition of reckless abandon on the night before July Fourth

NPR | By Matt Ozug

Published July 3, 2026 at 5:09 PM EDT

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Bonfires were a regular part of life in early U.S. history. Before the wide adoption of municipal firework displays, these giant fires, some many stories high, were common.

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Matt Ozug

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Remembering the American tradition of reckless abandon on the night before July Fourth

Support quality journalism, like the story above, with your gift right now.

Support quality journalism, like the story above,
with your gift right now.