In the first and thoroughly researched account of Jean Laugeay, the authors present a fascinating new discovery of the man who displayed fireworks to celebrate the first anniversary of a new nation. Philadelphia was the capital of the thirteen United States, and the largest city with 40,000 residents, when Jean with his family immigrated to the growing and enterprising land where political revolution was brewing.

Lougeay and Lougeay draw upon fifteen years of investigating original documentation including newspapers of the time, and the records from the Continental Congress. They use primary research acquired from their travels to Jean's region of birth in France and to a myriad of locations in Philadelphia constructing a vivid portrait of Jean and the times in which he lived.

Jean's patriotism is profuse as displayed though his multiple services to the Revolutionary War efforts as well as his eloquence in letters to Congress. This book highlights the man behind a time-honored legacy and reveals why we celebrate our Fourth of July with splendid fireworks from then until the present day.