What anniversary did the United States Bicentennial in 1976 celebrate?

The United States Bicentennial in 1976 celebrated the 200th anniversary of American independence.

The Bicentennial commemorated the Declaration of Independence adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Its events included ceremonies, parades, exhibitions, fireworks, and specially marked public projects across the country.

The Bicentennial is the immediate historical predecessor of America250, which marks the 250th anniversary in 2026. The two celebrations are separated by 50 years, or two generations for many families.

A common mix-up is treating the Bicentennial as the anniversary of the Constitution. The Constitution was drafted in 1787 and ratified in 1788, so its major anniversaries fall on different dates.