The United States held its bicentennial in 1976, preceding America250.
A bicentennial marks a 200th anniversary, so the 1976 observance commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption in 1776. It was a nationwide celebration involving parades, exhibitions, restored historic sites, public ceremonies, and special cultural programs.
The 1976 celebration took place during the presidency of Gerald Ford. Philadelphia hosted major events, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth II and the commissioning of the USS United States. The Apollo 11 astronauts also participated in the ceremonial opening of the American Freedom Train.
America250 follows the same arithmetic pattern at a larger interval: 1776 plus 250 years equals 2026. The terms can be confused because “bicentennial” describes 200 years, while “semiquincentennial” describes 250. The two celebrations are therefore related national anniversaries, but they are not interchangeable names.