The United States marked its 250th anniversary through America250 on July 4, 2026.
The date follows the traditional national observance of Independence Day, which commemorates the public proclamation of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Although the Continental Congress voted for independence on July 2, the Declaration became associated with July 4 because that is the date displayed on the document and celebrated by later generations.
The anniversary is called a semiquincentennial because it marks 250 years. The term combines Latin roots meaning half of 500, and it is distinct from centennial, which means 100 years, and bicentennial, which means 200 years.
America250 planning included events before and after July 4, but the central anniversary date remained Independence Day. The observance therefore connected a modern nationwide commemoration with the historical events of the summer of 1776.