Happy Fourth of July, Charleston. Today, we’re giving you the historical low-down on the nation’s most patriotic day – plus a bonus round-up of all of the events that are guaranteed to shine brighter than a firework. (Do be sure to review and adhere to all safety regulations regarding fireworks in your area).

On this day in 1776, the thirteen colonies already settled in America, (including the Carolinas), said “see ya” to England – which set them up to eventually form the good ole’ U.S. of A.

The Founding Fathers actually made the decision to break free from the Brits on July 2, but it took some time to edit + approve the official Declaration of Independence (likely due in part to the lack of a spell-check tool or backspace button). The final version was then signed (where we get the phrase put your “John Hancock” on it) + shared with the public on July 4. This makes the U.S. 243 years old today.

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Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation | .gif via giphy

For a while (162 years), Independence Day wasn’t officially observed by the federal government. A formal bill recognizing it as a holiday (among others like Christmas) was signed into effect by FDR in 1938.

For all of us far-removed from the colonial era, today is a day to celebrate the dog days of summer. And luckily, there are plenty of ways to do that – here are the top Fourth of July events taking place around Charleston:

○ City of North Charleston’s 4th of July Festival | 3-9:45 p.m. | North Charleston Riverfront Park | Free admission + parking | Food trucks, children's activities (including a giant sandbox + inflatable jump castles), live music, and a fireworks show starting at 9:10 p.m. Full schedule + more info here.

○ Patriots Point Fireworks Blast | 4 p.m. | 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mount Pleasant | Free | Tickets to watch the show aboard the USS Yorktown have sold out, but landside viewing is available + no ticket is needed.

○ Independence Day Celebration at Middleton Place | Middleton Place | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Free with general admission to Middleton Place ($29) | “Spend the holiday at the home of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Readings of the Declaration and interactive demonstrations will take place throughout the day.”

○ Folly Beach Fireworks Display | Fireworks at approx. 9:30 p.m. | Folly Beach | Free

○ Fireworks and Freedom Fest | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | The Jerry Blackwell Sports Complex, 184 W. Boundary St., Summerville | Free | Enjoy beer, food, + fireworks at the Town of Summerville’s annual Fireworks and Freedom Fest.