What was the 1976 U.S. anniversary celebration called, before America’s 250th anniversary?

The 1976 U.S. anniversary celebration was called the United States Bicentennial.

The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It was the previous major nationwide anniversary celebration before the 250th-anniversary observance planned for 2026.

The word “bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. The two terms are related but describe different milestones. America250 therefore follows the Bicentennial by half a century.

The 1976 observance included events across the country and became a major reference point for planning the later anniversary. Comparing the two celebrations helps explain why the 2026 event is sometimes described as the next great national birthday commemoration.