The United States Bicentennial occurred in 1976, 50 years before America250.
The Bicentennial marked 200 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776. It produced nationwide celebrations, exhibitions, parades, commemorative objects, and public projects, making it one of the largest civic anniversaries in U.S. history.
America250 follows the same anniversary sequence but marks 250 years instead of 200. The two observances are separated by half a century: 1776 to 1976 is 200 years, while 1776 to 2026 is 250 years.
The Bicentennial is sometimes confused with the 1975 celebrations connected to the opening battles of the Revolutionary War. Lexington and Concord were fought in 1775, while the Declaration anniversary belongs to 1776. America250’s central date is consequently July 4, 2026.