What was the name of the nationwide celebration that marked the United States’ 200th anniversary in 1976?

The nationwide celebration that marked the United States’ 200th anniversary in 1976 was the United States Bicentennial.

The bicentennial commemorated the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Although its most visible date was July 4, 1976, preparations and related events extended across several years. Communities organized parades, exhibitions, concerts, historical reenactments, fireworks, and patriotic public displays.

The federal government first created the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission in 1966. Plans initially centered on a major exposition, but disagreements led Congress to replace that body in 1973 with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. The replacement organization encouraged locally sponsored events rather than concentrating the celebration in one city.

The 1976 observance provides the immediate historical predecessor for America250. It also included the American Freedom Train, Operation Sail, a major international fleet gathering, and a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II. The terms should not be confused: a centennial marks 100 years, a sesquicentennial marks 150 years, and a bicentennial marks 200 years.