Philadelphia hosted the 1876 Centennial Exposition, the United States’ earlier major anniversary fair connected to America250.
Officially called the International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures, and Products of the Soil and Mine, the exposition marked the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It opened on May 10, 1876, in Fairmount Park and closed on November 10.
The event showcased American industry, agriculture, science, and manufacturing alongside exhibits from other countries. Its grounds included major structures such as Memorial Hall, which was built as an art gallery and remains the best-known surviving building from the exposition. The fair attracted nearly 10 million visitors.
Philadelphia was a fitting host because the Declaration of Independence had been adopted there in 1776. The 1876 celebration is sometimes confused with the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, which was also held in Philadelphia and marked 150 years since independence. America250 commemorates the 250th anniversary in 2026.