The United States celebrated its previous national 200th anniversary in 1976.
Known as the United States Bicentennial, the 1976 observance marked two centuries since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It included parades, exhibitions, historical programs, public ceremonies, and commemorative objects throughout the country.
The Bicentennial is an important predecessor to America250 because both observances use the Declaration of Independence as their central anniversary reference. The 1976 celebration also produced a well-known series of circulating commemorative coins bearing the dual date 1776–1976.
The year is sometimes confused with 1975, when some Bicentennial preparations and coin production began. However, the official 200th anniversary year was 1976. America250 similarly involves activities before and after the central date, but 2026 is the formal 250th anniversary year.