The United States Semiquincentennial, or America250, took place on July 4, 2026.
The date marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Independence Day is therefore both an annual national holiday and the central date of the 250th-anniversary commemoration.
The term semiquincentennial means a 250th anniversary. It combines semi-, meaning half, and quincentennial, meaning a 500th anniversary. America250 planning included national, state, local, educational, cultural, and historical programs leading up to the anniversary.
A common mix-up is July 2, 1776, when Congress approved the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. July 4 was the date Congress approved the final text of the Declaration, which is why the anniversary is observed on that day.