The United States semiquincentennial, celebrated through America250, falls on July 4, 2026. It marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The word semiquincentennial combines Latin-derived parts meaning half of five hundred, or 250 years. The anniversary is also known by less common names, including sestercentennial, bisesquicentennial, and quarter millennium. The 2026 date follows the earlier U.S. Bicentennial in 1976.
America250 planning began with the United States Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress in 2016. The anniversary is centered on Independence Day, although events and commemorations extend across the surrounding period. A common mix-up is treating July 2 as the anniversary date: Congress approved the independence resolution on July 2, but adopted the Declaration two days later.