What was the United States’ 200th-anniversary celebration in 1976 called?

The United States’ 200th-anniversary celebration in 1976 was called the United States Bicentennial. It culminated on July 4, 1976, exactly 200 years after Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The Bicentennial was not a single ceremony but a broad series of celebrations and observances held during the mid-1970s. Communities organized parades, exhibitions, historical programs, and commemorations connected with the American Revolution and the creation of the republic.

The federal government also issued special Bicentennial currency designs. The quarter, half dollar, and dollar received commemorative reverses, and the coins were dated 1776–1976. These designs helped make the anniversary visible in everyday life and became some of the most widely recognized souvenirs of the celebration.

America250 is the successor anniversary, marking 250 years rather than 200. The two observances share a central reference point—the Declaration’s adoption—but belong to different political and cultural eras. The 1976 Bicentennial occurred during Gerald Ford’s presidency, while America250 is scheduled for 2026.