The United States Bicentennial culminated in 1976, marking the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The centerpiece was July 4, 1976, exactly two centuries after the Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration. Celebrations took place across the country, including parades, fireworks, historical reenactments, exhibitions, and tall-ship events.
President Gerald Ford participated in national observances, while Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited the United States during the anniversary year. The Smithsonian also staged major exhibitions connected with American history and culture.
The Bicentennial is sometimes confused with the 1975–1976 period of preparation and celebration, but the anniversary itself fell on July 4, 1976. America250 follows the same anniversary cycle 50 years later, marking 250 years since the 1776 declaration.