On what date was the United States Semiquincentennial, or America250, held?

The United States Semiquincentennial, known as America250, was held on July 4, 2026.

The date marked 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. “Semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary, combining Latin roots for half and five hundred.

America250 planning began with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, created by federal legislation in 2016. The anniversary followed earlier national milestones, including the centennial in 1876, the sesquicentennial in 1926, and the bicentennial in 1976.

The anniversary date is sometimes confused with July 2, 1776, when Congress passed the Lee Resolution declaring independence. July 4 is observed because Congress approved and proclaimed the final Declaration on that date. The 2026 observance therefore connected the modern celebration directly to the document that announced independence.