Fireworks, parades and family fun: Glorious photographs of how Americans marked Independence Day over the last two centuries

Published: 08:34 EDT, 3 July 2020 | Updated: 08:34 EDT, 3 July 2020

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The fashions may have changed but the way Americans celebrate July 4 has not, as this series of photographs from 1900 to the 1960s show. With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing in the US, celebrations across the country may look a little bit different this year for Americans marking the 244 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. Still, from barbecues to fireworks, many celebrations will resemble those from previous decades. Click through to see glorious photos of Americans celebrating Independence Days in decades past...

Since becoming a federal holiday in 1870, July 4 has become a chance for family and friends to enjoy a summer break. Pictured, children take part in a parade through the streets of their hometown in 1919.

John Adams, who later became the second President of the United States wrote that Independence Day should be celebrated with 'pomp and parade, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other'. Pictured, a cat dressed as Uncle Sam in 1956 looks like he is singing the Star Spangled Banner.

Dressed up: Uncle Sam and cowboy costumes are popular choices for this 1941 parade in Vale, Oregon.

Celebration: These little girls in California are wearing their best white dresses as they wave flags in 1905.

Stars and stripes: These girls turned to the flag for inspiration for their parade dresses in 1919.

High note: A marching band leads the festivities through a packed street in Pennsylvania in 1960.

Mad hatters: In this July 4 parade in 1895 men marched through the streets wearing top hats.

Waiting game: A group of small children holding flags wait with their mothers for the parade to pass in 1905.

Party time: Plenty of alcohol is flowing at this July 4 gathering on a porch in 1894.

Picnics: July 4 was a popular excuse to enjoy the great outdoors with friends in 1915.

Rocket man: Two boys poke at a rocket as they wait for the evening's fireworks display in the 1900s.

Having a blast: Child actor Jackie Cooper loads up on fireworks for a July 4 party in the 1930s.

Pomp: Dignitaries line up for the official opening of New York's Tammany Hall, timed to coincide with the 153rd anniversary of Independence Day, in 1929.