Boston's major Fourth of July fireworks are held along which river?

Boston’s major Fourth of July fireworks are held along the Charles River.

The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular takes place on the Charles River Esplanade, beside the Hatch Memorial Shell. The setting combines an outdoor concert by the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra with a large fireworks display over the river, making the event one of the country’s most recognizable Independence Day celebrations.

The modern spectacle began in 1974, when philanthropist David G. Mugar worked with Boston Pops conductor Arthur Fiedler to add cannons and fireworks to performances of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.” The idea proved successful and returned in 1975 and 1976.

The Charles River location can be confused with other famous displays: New York City’s major show has often used the East River, while Washington’s celebration centers on the National Mall. Boston’s defining waterfront is the Charles.