For America250, what is the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence called?

America250 commemorates the United States semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The word combines “semi,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” meaning a 500th anniversary. A semiquincentennial is therefore half of 500 years, or 250 years. The term is one of several names used for the 2026 anniversary, alongside quarter millennium and sestercentennial.

The milestone is dated from the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. America250 is the public-facing name used for the nationwide commemoration, while semiquincentennial is the formal anniversary label.

A common mix-up is calling the event a bicentennial. That term describes a 200th anniversary, such as the United States Bicentennial celebrated in 1976. The 2026 observance comes 50 years later and marks 250 years instead.