July 3, 2012 by Amy Elliott Bragg
Happy Fourth of July, Detroit
Detail of a Fourth of July parade in Detroit’s Campus Martius, 1866, from a carte de visite in the Burton Historical Collection. You’ll want to see it in full resolution here — it’s pretty remarkable.
On July 4, 1866, one hundred and twenty-three battle-stained and bullet-marked flags, belonging to the Michigan regiments, were formally presented to the State. Many members of the decimated regiments took part in a procession connected with the exercises, and their appearance with the torn flags brought tears to many eyes.
Silas Farmer, History of Detroit and Michigan
Too somber for you? Maybe old-timey fireballs in the street are more your pace.
Whether it brings you somber reflection, hazardous explosives, or some alchemy of both, we hope you enjoy your holiday.