Karen Steele was born 12 seconds after midnight on July 4, 1976, and became known as the Bicentennial Baby.
Her birth occurred at the exact start of the day marking the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The timing made her a national curiosity, and news programs highlighted her as a symbolic child of the Bicentennial.
Steele received commemorative attention from President Gerald Ford, New Jersey Governor Brendan Byrne, and other public figures. She also appeared on the television programs The Today Show and Good Morning America.
The title “Bicentennial Baby” was an informal media label rather than an official national office or award. It also should not be confused with babies born during other anniversary celebrations, including centennial or sesquicentennial events. Her distinction came from being identified as the first baby born in the United States on July 4, 1976.