What was the name of the 200th-anniversary celebration that preceded America's 250th anniversary?

The United States Bicentennial was the 200th-anniversary celebration that preceded America's 250th anniversary.

The Bicentennial culminated on July 4, 1976, marking 200 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. It was a nationwide observance involving parades, fireworks, exhibitions, historical reenactments, and commemorative programs.

The celebration followed earlier national anniversaries, including the Centennial in 1876 and the Sesquicentennial in 1926. The term “bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. These labels can sound similar, but they describe different milestones.

President Gerald Ford attended major 1976 events, including ceremonies in Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. The Bicentennial also featured Operation Sail, a major gathering of tall ships. Its nationwide scale created a model of historical commemoration that America250 organizers can draw upon in 2026.