The United States Semiquincentennial, known as America250, will be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
The date marks 250 years since the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The term “semiquincentennial” combines Latin- and Greek-derived elements meaning half of 500 years, or 250 years. The anniversary is also called the United States’ 250th anniversary.
America250 is a nationwide commemoration rather than a single ceremony. Events, educational programs, exhibitions, and community projects are planned around the history and continuing development of the United States. The 2026 date is significant because the original independence anniversary occurred on July 4, making Independence Day the central national observance.
A common mix-up is confusing the anniversary year with 1976, which marked the United States Bicentennial, or 200th anniversary. The next major milestone after 2026 will be the Tricentennial in 2076.