What was the name of the previous nationwide U.S. anniversary celebration held in 1976, before America250?

The previous nationwide U.S. anniversary celebration held in 1976 was the United States Bicentennial.

The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Its central anniversary date was July 4, 1976, exactly half a century before the 2026 semiquincentennial observance.

The 1976 celebration included commemorative events, historical exhibitions, patriotic performances, and special government programs across the country. Philadelphia, where the Declaration was adopted, was a major focus of the festivities.

The two names describe different anniversaries: “bicentennial” means 200 years, while “semiquincentennial” means 250 years. The United States also held a centennial celebration in 1876, but that was the earlier 100th anniversary, not the immediately preceding nationwide milestone.