Federal law designated four leading cities for America250 events: Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston and New York City.
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act directed that special attention be given to locations of historical significance to the United States. These four cities were selected because of their important connections to the American Revolution and the nation’s founding era. Boston, Philadelphia, Charleston and New York each played major roles in colonial politics, revolutionary conflict or the creation of the early republic.
The list does not mean that celebrations were limited to those places. America250 activities were planned nationwide, with state and local commissions, museums, cultural institutions and community groups taking part. Philadelphia is sometimes assumed to be the sole official host because the Declaration was adopted there and Independence Hall is central to the founding story, but the federal legislation specifically named four leading cities.