What was the 1976 anniversary called that preceded America250 by 50 years?

The 1976 anniversary that preceded America250 by 50 years was called the United States Bicentennial.

The bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Its observances took place nationwide and included parades, exhibitions, performances, commemorative objects, and civic celebrations. The anniversary was especially visible during the presidency of Gerald Ford, who attended many events connected with the milestone.

The bicentennial belongs to a sequence of major national anniversaries. The 1876 centennial marked 100 years, the 1926 sesquicentennial marked 150 years, the 1976 bicentennial marked 200 years, and America250 marks 250 years in 2026.

A common mix-up is treating “bicentennial” as a general word for any large anniversary. In historical usage, it specifically means a 200-year anniversary. America250 is therefore not another bicentennial; it is the later 250-year milestone.