In which city did the 1975–76 American Freedom Train begin its Bicentennial tour?

The American Freedom Train began its 1975–76 Bicentennial tour in Wilmington, Delaware.

The train launched on April 1, 1975, more than a year before the July 4, 1976, anniversary. Wilmington was the starting point for a 21-month national journey that brought historical exhibits to towns and cities throughout the contiguous United States.

The exhibit train carried artifacts and displays connected with American history. Its route was designed to make the Bicentennial a nationwide experience rather than a celebration limited to Philadelphia, Washington, or another single historic center.

The train’s start date and launch city are sometimes confused with the location of major July 4, 1976, festivities. Wilmington was the beginning of the traveling exhibition; it was not the site of the principal national fireworks or the Philadelphia celebrations associated with the anniversary date.