What was the 200th anniversary celebration that preceded America250?

The United States Bicentennial was the 200th anniversary celebration that preceded America250.

The Bicentennial took place in 1976, two centuries after the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It was a nationwide observance featuring public celebrations, historical programs, special publications, exhibitions, and commemorative objects.

America250 follows the same anniversary pattern but marks 250 years rather than 200. The 1976 Bicentennial is especially important as a predecessor because it established a modern model for a large, nationwide commemoration of American history.

The term “centennial” belongs to the 100th anniversary in 1876, while “sesquicentennial” refers to 150 years and was used for the 1926 anniversary. The 2026 event is therefore not another bicentennial; it is the Semiquincentennial.