Congress created the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission in 1966.
The commission was established on July 4, 1966, exactly ten years before the United States would celebrate its 200th anniversary. Its creation began the federal planning process for commemorating the historical events that led to American independence.
Early plans imagined a single major exposition called Expo ’76, potentially located in Philadelphia or Boston. After years of debate, the commission recommended against concentrating the celebration in one city. Congress dissolved the commission in 1973 and replaced it with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration.
The administration’s role was to encourage and coordinate locally sponsored events throughout the country. This approach helped make the 1976 Bicentennial a nationwide series of parades, exhibitions, performances, ceremonies, and community projects rather than one centrally staged festival. The celebration culminated on July 4, 1976, 200 years after the Declaration of Independence was adopted.