The United States semiquincentennial, or America250, marked the nation's 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
The anniversary commemorated the Second Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Although Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring independence on July 2, the Declaration was proclaimed on July 4, which became the date celebrated as Independence Day.
The term semiquincentennial means a 250th anniversary. America250 planning began with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, established by Congress in 2016. The commemoration followed earlier national milestones, including the centennial in 1876, the sesquicentennial in 1926, and the bicentennial in 1976.
A common mix-up is treating July 2 as the anniversary date because that was when the independence resolution passed. July 4 is the date printed on the Declaration and the date used for the national holiday and the 250th-anniversary observance.