The Independence Day celebration in 1794 was exceptionally large and festive, with General Rochambeau in attendance (as reported in the Newport Mercury). The French General, who played a major role in helping American win the Revolutionary War, was perhaps portrayed by a local stand-in. The real General was in prison in Paris through July 1794. He escaped the guillotine and was released in October of that year.
Despite orderly and dignified planning, The Newport Mercury also reported, “We are sorry to add, that the general Joy and Happiness, which had prevailed through the Morning, was allayed by an accident which happened in the Afternoon – A keg of Cartridges, at the foot of Louis Street [now Franklin Street], accidentally took Fire and by the Explosion several Men and Boys were wounded. Two of the Lads, we learn, are dangerously hurt.”
Fireworks display over Newport Harbor, Newport Daily News Collection, circa 1980s.