The United States celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976 before America250.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. Celebrations took place across the country and included exhibitions, parades, public ceremonies, historic preservation projects, and special commemorative objects. The anniversary was one of the largest nationwide civic observances in the United States during the twentieth century.
The 1976 milestone provides a direct comparison with the 2026 Semiquincentennial: both anniversaries are measured from the 1776 Declaration. “Centennial” means 100 years, “bicentennial” means 200 years, and “tricentennial” means 300 years. The next 300th-anniversary celebration is expected in 2076.