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

The previous major national anniversary of U.S. independence before America250 was the United States Bicentennial.

The Bicentennial took place in 1976, marking 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It was one of the largest nationwide commemorations in American history, with special events, exhibitions, performances, parades, and commemorative objects.

Philadelphia played a central role because the Declaration was debated and adopted there. The Liberty Bell became one of the best-known symbols of the 1976 celebrations, and it was moved from Independence Hall to a nearby pavilion to accommodate visitors.

America250 follows the same anniversary sequence but advances the number by 50 years. The 1926 observance was the sesquicentennial, marking 150 years; the 1976 observance was the bicentennial, marking 200 years; and the 2026 observance is the semiquincentennial, marking 250 years.