What was the name of the previous major U.S. national anniversary celebration before America250?

The previous major U.S. national anniversary celebration before America250 was the United States Bicentennial in 1976.

The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence. It produced nationwide ceremonies, historical exhibitions, parades, commemorative objects, and special programs throughout the United States. The 1976 observances remain the closest historical comparison for the America250 celebration.

The United States has also marked other milestone anniversaries. The 1876 Centennial included the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, while the 1926 Sesquicentennial included another major Philadelphia exposition. These terms identify anniversaries of 100 and 150 years, respectively.

“Bicentennial” means a 200th anniversary, while “semiquincentennial” means a 250th anniversary. Because both celebrations center on American independence, people sometimes confuse the names or dates. America250 is not a repeat of the Bicentennial; it is the next major national milestone, occurring half a century after 1976.