July 4 fireworks tradition linked to Drayton family of Charleston
June 29, 2011
CHARLESTON, SC – June 2011 – William Henry Drayton put fireworks in the 4th of July celebration.
As South Carolina’s delegate to the Continental Congress, Drayton backed an idea that the nation’s third birthday observance include fireworks.
His contribution and other historical events will be remembered July 4th as Magnolia Plantation and Gardens recount American history through the eyes of Magnolia, the country’s oldest public gardens.
Magnolia was founded in 1676, a century before the Revolutionary War, and its gardens were opened in 1872, seven years after the Civil War.
Tom Johnson, Magnolia’s director of gardens, said Magnolia’s day-long series of events will highlight how Magnolia has grown as the nation has matured. “Magnolia has seen this nation through its birth, wars, the Civil Rights movement up until today,” he said.
To expand this story, Magnolia is offering admission to its events through a combination ticket with its neighbor Drayton Hall, Drayton’s the boyhood home.
Born in 1742, Drayton was the son of Royal Judge John Drayton. John Drayton, who was born at Magnolia in 1715, bought an adjoining tract to Magnolia in 1738 and built Drayton Hall.
As a Congressional delegate, William Henry Drayton supported an idea to include fireworks to observe the third anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
In 1779, Jean Laugcay, a French officer, asked Congress for permission to exhibit fireworks during that year’s celebration. Drayton backed Laugcay’s request by pointing out that “it had been the practice of all nations ancient and modern to celebrate particular days by festivity, that Greece had instituted the Olympic Games” for such a purpose. Since then, fireworks have been associated with the nation’s birthday, which, in 1791, was first called Independence Day.
Carter Hudgins, Drayton Hall’s director of preservation and education, said, “Our continued use of fireworks in celebrating the Fourth of July connects our nation to its patriotic roots while preserving the legacy of our forefathers.”
This July 4th at Magnolia will be observed with history lessons and free popcorn, snow cones and watermelons. Gates open at 8 a.m. Because of safety concerns, the event will not include a fireworks demonstration.
The schedule includes:
- The Philip Simmons Artist Blacksmith Guild
- Kitty Wilson-Evans, portrays an 18th enslaved worker named Kessie
- Rick Bennett, discusses Carolina Gold rice. Bennett conducts nature train tours at Magnolia
- The Plantation Singers
- Will and Michelle Pendergraph, portrays the Rev. John Grimke’ Drayton and Julia Drayton
- Civil War reenactors from the 10th South Carolina Volunteer Infantry and the 54th Massachusetts, Co. I, Civil War Reenactment Regiment
- Keeper of the Word, Native American culture
- Tom Johnson, leads 10 a.m. garden walks
A $24 combination ticket provides access to Magnolia and Drayton Hall. Military families will be admitted free of charge to Magnolia with a military identification card.
For more information, call Magnolia at 843-571-1266.
