As times have changed, so has how America celebrates the Fourth of July.

Independence Day photos from the early 1900s show groups celebrating at low-key public events. If the kids got a chance, they may have whipped up a fun costume complete with pretend fireworks made out of paper.

Years later, cities started to go all-in. Residents would unfold their lawn chairs along the street for the annual Fourth of July parade.

READ MORE: 35 Fireworks Photos That Are Better Than Anything You'll Take On July 4

There might be more to the celebration, but the real attraction would be the over-the-top fireworks display that we still see in many cities today.

No matter how people choose to celebrate through the years, independence continues to be the focal point of the day.

Here is a look back at how the Fourth of July has been celebrated through the years as we honor the 250th birthday of the United States in 2026.