 In January 1775, Drayton won a seat in the Provincial Congress and became the first prominent South Carolinian to openly declare for independence from England. He was appointed to the Continental Congress after Independence Day 1776. While the delegates argued over how to celebrate the newfound nation's status, Drayton argued that the day should be celebrated with grand fireworks. His idea won out over many others, and the tradition was born in Philadelphia on July 4th, 1778. I'm Thomas Cage.