What was the 1976 celebration of 200 years of American independence called, the predecessor to America250?

The 1976 celebration of 200 years of American independence was called the United States Bicentennial, the predecessor to America250.

The Bicentennial commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Planning began years before 1976, and the observance included state and local celebrations, historical exhibitions, patriotic performances, educational projects, and special commemorative products.

The anniversary was especially visible in Philadelphia, where the Declaration had been adopted in 1776. It was also reflected in federal architecture, transportation, museums, and popular culture. The celebration helped establish a model for large-scale national anniversaries that America250 can be compared with.

“Bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, not a general synonym for any national birthday. “Sesquicentennial” means 150th, while “centennial” means 100th and “tricentennial” means 300th. The 1976 event was therefore the United States Bicentennial, exactly half a century before the 2026 semiquincentennial.