The United States celebrated its Bicentennial in 1976, before America250’s 2026 milestone.
A bicentennial marks 200 years. The 1976 celebration commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s adoption on July 4, 1776. It was a nationwide series of observances rather than a single event.
The Bicentennial included public ceremonies, historical programs, exhibitions, festivals, and patriotic designs. President Gerald Ford was the sitting president during the culmination on July 4, 1976.
The relationship between the two anniversaries is straightforward: 1976 marked 200 years, while 2026 marks 250 years. The earlier commemoration is sometimes confused with the 1975 American Revolution anniversary events, but the Bicentennial’s central date was July 4, 1976.