The United States Semiquincentennial, America's 250th anniversary, took place on July 4, 2026.
The celebration marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The anniversary date follows the adoption of the document, rather than the later date on which most delegates signed the engrossed parchment.
The term “semiquincentennial” combines roots meaning half of 500, or 250. Other names for the anniversary include the sestercentennial and quarter millennium, although America250 is the best-known public branding.
The date also connects the event with Independence Day, the annual United States holiday commemorating the Declaration’s adoption. The previous major national milestone was the bicentennial on July 4, 1976, which marked 200 years.