USA250 was established in Philadelphia in 2011. The nonprofit advocated federal support for the United States Semiquincentennial and promoted Philadelphia as a host city for anniversary events.
Philadelphia has a central place in the history commemorated by America250. The Second Continental Congress met there, and the Declaration of Independence was adopted at the building now known as Independence Hall.
The city’s role in 2011 was organizational rather than governmental. USA250 worked to build support for national planning and for Philadelphia’s participation in the 2026 observance. Later, Congress created the United States Semiquincentennial Commission through federal legislation in 2016.
Philadelphia is sometimes confused with Boston or Washington, D.C. because all three cities are strongly associated with the American Revolution or federal history. Philadelphia, however, is the city specifically identified as the birthplace of USA250.