The United States celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976 before the 2026 America250 observance.
The Bicentennial marked the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations and observances took place throughout the mid-1970s, culminating on Sunday, July 4, 1976. The nationwide event combined historical exhibitions, public ceremonies, parades, cultural programs, and special commemorative designs.
President Gerald Ford was in office during the anniversary year. One prominent symbol was the Bicentennial logo, featuring a stylized red, white, and blue star. The commemoration also inspired special United States coins, stamps, and state and local events.
The Bicentennial and the Semiquincentennial are separated by exactly 50 years. In 1976, the country looked back on two centuries since 1776; in 2026, America250 marks two and a half centuries. The earlier celebration established a modern precedent for nationwide anniversary programming.