The United States Bicentennial was celebrated 200 years after the Declaration of Independence.
The Bicentennial culminated on July 4, 1976, marking two centuries since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration in 1776. It was a broad national program of commemorations, exhibitions, ceremonies, and public events connected with the American Revolution and the nation’s history.
The 1976 celebration provides the immediate precedent for America250. The 2026 semiquincentennial marks 250 years, or 50 years after the Bicentennial. The earlier observance was organized through federal bodies including the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission and the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.
The term “bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary. It should not be confused with “centennial,” which means 100 years, or “sesquicentennial,” which means 150 years. The anniversary numbers describe elapsed time since the 1776 declaration, not the age of every American institution.