What name was given to the United States’ 1976 celebration of 200 years of independence?

The United States’ 1976 celebration of 200 years of independence was called the United States Bicentennial.

The bicentennial marked the two-hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776. Celebrations took place across the country and included parades, exhibitions, concerts, historical programs, and specially designed national symbols.

The official observance was not limited to July 4. Events unfolded over several years, reflecting milestones such as the 1775 start of the Revolutionary War, the 1776 Declaration, and the 1783 peace settlement. The term “Bicentennial” refers specifically to a two-hundredth anniversary.

The 1976 celebration is a useful comparison for America250. The 2026 observance marks 250 years since independence, a milestone also known as a semiquincentennial, although “America250” is the prominent modern branding.