What 1976 national anniversary preceded the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026?

The United States Bicentennial in 1976 preceded the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It produced a large nationwide program of exhibitions, ceremonies, historic preservation projects, public art, and community celebrations.

The 2026 America250 observance follows the same anniversary sequence but marks 250 years instead of 200. The earlier celebration is an important reference point for understanding the scale and symbolism of the semiquincentennial.

Anniversary terms can be easy to mix up. A centennial marks 100 years, a sesquicentennial marks 150, a bicentennial marks 200, a semiquincentennial marks 250, and a tricentennial marks 300. The next comparable national milestone after 2026 will be the Tricentennial in 2076.