Known now as a day of patriotism and enjoying time off from work, the Fourth of July began the journey to becoming a quintessential American holiday in 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The Fourth of July is about all things American: parades, cookouts, cold beer and, of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Massive fireworks lit up the skyline of multiple American cities, marking festivities across the country.

The Fourth of July may have been Friday, but the fireworks, parades, concerts and festivals continue through the weekend to celebrate Independence Day. A quick reminder - while some ground-based fireworks are now legal in New Jersey, leave the big pyrotechnics to the pros.