Anvil Shootin’Southern and Appalachian Tradition of Iron Fireworks
In Southern and Appalachian tradition, anvil shootin’ (or anvil firing) was the practice of packing black powder between two iron anvils and setting it off - sending the top anvil flying high into the air. The deafening blast echoed through the hollers, marking celebrations, warnings, and community gatherings long before fireworks became easy to find.
If you ever hear thunder on a clear Fourth of July morning, it ain’t weather - it’s somebody shootin’ an anvil. And it's an actual thing. If you ever hear thunder on a clear Fourth of July morning, it ain’t weather - it’s somebody shootin’ an anvil. And it's an actual thing. Origin
The custom dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries across the rural South, particularly in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Frontier blacksmiths had ready access to powder and anvils, and used the explosive display to mark holidays, military victories, and even church dedications.
Some historians trace it to British mining and smithing traditions, where powder was used to "ring" metal tools. In Appalachia, it became its own ritual - half celebration, half dare - as families and neighbors gathered to feel the ground shake.
Anvil shoots were especially tied to Independence Day and local fairs, though they also served as a frontier alarm system. A volley of anvil fire could call people to town, warn of danger, or announce victory in wartime.
Notes
Those who’ve witnessed an anvil shoot never forget it:
• The blacksmith’s crew builds a dirt base for the lower anvil
• Black powder is poured into a small cavity or hole
• The second anvil is set on top - then lit from a distance
• The explosion sends the top anvil soaring 100 to 200 feet in the air
Even today, towns like **Laurel, Mississippi**, keep the tradition alive with controlled anvil shoots on the Fourth of July.
And though safety laws have grounded many homegrown celebrations, the sound of iron thunder still rolls through a few Southern valleys every summer.
Legacy
Once a symbol of frontier pride and power, the anvil shoot endures as one of the most distinctive Appalachian traditions.
It celebrates the craftsmanship of blacksmiths, the spirit of independence, and the stubborn joy of making noise just because you can.
Nowadays, it’s rare - but in the right holler, under the right flag, you might still hear the hills rumble with old-fashioned Southern fireworks.
Dislaimer
What you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives.
If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
Learn more on the Folklore hub page.