What earlier anniversary celebration in 1976 preceded America250's 2026 commemoration?

The United States Bicentennial in 1976 preceded America250’s 2026 commemoration.

The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It produced nationwide festivities, patriotic displays, historical programs, and commemorative objects, including special U.S. coins and postage stamps.

The anniversary’s most visible national symbol was the Bicentennial logo, which featured a white star inside a stylized red, white, and blue star. Communities across the country organized parades and local projects, making the milestone both a federal commemoration and a broad civic celebration.

The terms are easy to mix up because both celebrations center on July 4 and the Declaration of Independence. Bicentennial means 200th anniversary; semiquincentennial means 250th. Thus 1976 was the Bicentennial, while 2026 is the Semiquincentennial.