The United States Semiquincentennial occurred on July 4, 2026, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
The anniversary is commonly called America250. “Semiquincentennial” combines Latin-derived terms referring to half of 500, or 250. Other historical names include sestercentennial and quarter millennium, although semiquincentennial is the principal official term used for the national commemoration.
The date follows the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The anniversary is therefore distinct from July 2, 1776, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. Americans traditionally celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because that is the date printed on the Declaration.
The 2026 observance followed the United States Bicentennial of 1976 and precedes the Tricentennial in 2076. America250 activities included national, state, territorial, local, educational, and cultural programs.