The United States celebrated its previous major national anniversary in 1976.
That year marked the United States Bicentennial, or the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The observance took place two centuries after the Declaration’s adoption in 1776 and preceded America250 by 50 years.
The Bicentennial produced nationwide ceremonies, exhibitions, parades, and specially designed public projects. The celebrations were part of a broad effort to connect communities with American history and national identity.
America250 follows the same anniversary sequence but marks 250 years instead of 200. The distinction matters because “bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. The next 100-year milestone after America250 will be the Tricentennial in 2076.