What term names the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, the event promoted as America250?

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

“Semiquincentennial” describes a 250th anniversary: “semi” means half, while “quincentennial” relates to 500 years. The occasion marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. America250 is the public-facing name used for many official programs and celebrations connected with the milestone.

The term can be confused with “sesquicentennial,” which means a 150th anniversary, and “bicentennial,” which means a 200th anniversary. The United States’ bicentennial took place in 1976, while its semiquincentennial takes place in 2026.

Other names have also appeared in historical and popular usage, including “bisesquicentennial,” “sestercentennial,” and “quarter millennium.” However, United States Semiquincentennial is the formal title of the national anniversary and its coordinating commission. The celebration connects the 2026 milestone with earlier anniversaries, especially the 1876 centennial and the 1976 bicentennial.