In 2026, what anniversary does America's 250th anniversary, America250, commemorate?

America's 250th anniversary, America250, commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States declaring independence in 1776.

The anniversary is also called the United States Semiquincentennial. The prefix “semiquincentennial” means a 250-year anniversary: “semi-” indicates half, while “quincentennial” refers to 500 years.

The central historical date is July 4, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. Although the Revolutionary War had already begun, the declaration publicly announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

America250 is distinct from the 1976 United States Bicentennial, which marked 200 years since 1776. The 2026 observance therefore marks a quarter of a millennium of American independence.