On what date did the official United States Bicentennial events begin?

The official United States Bicentennial events began on April 1, 1975. That opening coincided with the launch of the American Freedom Train in Wilmington, Delaware, beginning its 21-month national tour.

The Bicentennial was not limited to one day. Programs began in 1975 and continued through the anniversary year of 1976, with the central culmination occurring on July 4, 1976. The extended schedule allowed communities to organize local celebrations and historical programs.

One early 1975 observance involved President Gerald Ford lighting a third lantern at Boston’s Old North Church. The lantern symbolized the beginning of America’s third century and preceded the major 1976 celebrations.

April 1, 1975, is sometimes confused with April 19, 1975, the 200th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It is also distinct from July 4, 1976, the date of the Bicentennial anniversary itself.