The United States Bicentennial celebrations culminated in 1976, the earlier anniversary recalled by America250.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Although events took place throughout the mid-1970s, the central anniversary fell on July 4, 1976. The observance included exhibitions, festivals, parades, historic-site programs, and specially designed national symbols.
The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission began coordinating the effort in 1966, and the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration later handled much of the implementation. President Gerald Ford was in office during the culminating year.
The 1976 observance provides an important comparison for America250. The earlier event commemorated two centuries, whereas the 2026 celebration marks two and a half centuries. The terms are therefore not interchangeable: bicentennial means 200 years, while semiquincentennial means 250 years.