The United States celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, half a century before America’s 250th anniversary.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the 1776 adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Its main national observance culminated on July 4, 1976, with ceremonies, parades, fireworks, historical programs, and special cultural events across the country.
The word “bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. The two celebrations therefore commemorate the same founding milestone at different intervals. The 1976 observance also influenced later planning for the semiquincentennial, including the use of nationwide local events and commemorative objects. America250 is not the Bicentennial’s name repeated; it is the branding for the later 250-year milestone.