The United States Bicentennial commemorated in the history leading to America250 was held in 1976.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence of 1776. Celebrations took place throughout the United States and included parades, exhibitions, concerts, historical reenactments, and public ceremonies. The anniversary was one of the largest nationwide commemorations in American history before the 2026 semiquincentennial.
Philadelphia hosted major Bicentennial events because it was a central location in the founding era. The city held the 1976 World’s Fair, officially called the United States Bicentennial Exposition, although the event was not formally sanctioned as a world’s fair by the Bureau International des Expositions. The city also hosted visiting ships and other public celebrations.
The dates can be confused with 1876, the centennial year; 1926, the sesquicentennial year; and 2026, the 250th anniversary. Each date represents a different 50-year step in the country’s commemorative history.