What was the name of the United States’ 200th-anniversary celebration that preceded America250?

The United States’ 200th-anniversary celebration that preceded America250 was the United States Bicentennial.

The Bicentennial culminated on July 4, 1976, exactly 200 years after the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Celebrations took place across the country and included parades, fireworks, exhibitions, reenactments, and commemorative programs.

The federal government coordinated the observance through the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. Earlier planning had involved the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, created in 1966. Rather than limiting the celebration to one city, the final approach encouraged communities throughout the United States to organize local events.

The Bicentennial also produced special United States coin designs, including the well-known dual-date quarter, half dollar, and dollar marked 1776–1976. America250 follows the same basic anniversary pattern, moving from 200 years to 250 years after the Declaration’s adoption.