Which four U.S. cities did the 2016 semiquincentennial law identify as leading cities for America250 events?

The 2016 semiquincentennial law identified Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Charleston as leading cities for America250 events.

The legislation directed that anniversary activities receive special focus in locations of historical significance to the United States. It specifically named four cities associated with major episodes in the Revolutionary-era story: Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, and Charleston, South Carolina.

Philadelphia was central to the Continental Congress and the Declaration of Independence. Boston was a major center of resistance before the war, New York was an important strategic and political location, and Charleston was a key Southern theater of the Revolution.

Charleston is sometimes shortened in casual references, but the law’s city is Charleston, South Carolina. Washington, D.C., is also prominent in national celebrations, yet it was not one of the four “leading cities” named in this provision.