The United States Semiquincentennial time capsule was planned for burial in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia was selected because it was the meeting place of the Second Continental Congress and the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. Independence Hall, located in the city’s historic district, is closely associated with that founding event.
The capsule was planned as a long-term commemorative project connected with the 250th anniversary. Its scheduled unearthing date was July 4, 2276, the 500th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Philadelphia has hosted earlier major American anniversary observances as well. The city was the site of the 1876 Centennial Exposition and the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, linking it repeatedly with national milestone celebrations.