What term names the United States’ 250th anniversary, celebrated in 2026?

The United States’ 250th anniversary, celebrated in 2026, is called the Semiquincentennial.

The word combines “semi,” meaning half, with “quincentennial,” meaning a 500th anniversary. Together, the term describes a 250-year milestone, or half of 500 years. America250 is the common branding used for the nationwide commemoration.

The anniversary marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It follows the United States Bicentennial in 1976, which celebrated 200 years, and precedes the Tricentennial in 2076, which will mark 300 years.

Several alternative terms appear in historical and reference sources, including sestercentennial, bisesquicentennial, and quarter millennium. Semiquincentennial is the official event name most closely associated with the 2026 celebration.