The United States Semiquincentennial, America250, occurred on July 4, 2026.
The anniversary commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Second Continental Congress adopting the Declaration of Independence. July 4 is the date traditionally observed as American Independence Day because the Declaration was proclaimed on that day in 1776.
The anniversary date can be confused with July 2, 1776, when Congress passed the Lee Resolution declaring the colonies independent. It can also be confused with the signing process, which involved multiple dates and continued after July 4. America250’s official anniversary date was based on the Declaration’s July 4 adoption and proclamation.
The event followed earlier major national anniversaries, including the centennial in 1876, the sesquicentennial in 1926, and the bicentennial in 1976. The semiquincentennial is another name for a 250th anniversary.