The Story of 1776
A plain guide to America 250.
The United States only turns 250 once. This page answers the questions people actually ask about the Semiquincentennial — what it is, when it happens, what the eagle means, and how to mark the date.
Updated May 1 2026 · Based on the federal America250 commission, the National Archives, and the State Department's Great Seal program.
What is America 250?
America 250 is the popular name for the United States Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The headline date is July 4 2026.
What does Semiquincentennial mean?
Semiquincentennial means a 250-year anniversary. The word combines the Latin semi (half) and quincentennial (500-year). It is the federal commission's preferred term and appears in the official program at America250.org.
When exactly does the United States turn 250?
On July 4 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4 1776. Commemorative events run across all of 2026 and into 2027.
Who signed the Declaration of Independence?
Fifty-six delegates of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration. The most cited names are John Hancock (whose oversized signature gave rise to the idiom), Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson — its principal author — and Roger Sherman, the only delegate to sign all four founding documents.
What does the eagle on the Great Seal represent?
The bald eagle on the Great Seal of the United States holds 13 arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right, signaling the nation's preference for peace while remaining ready to defend itself. The 13 elements — arrows, olives, stars and stripes — represent the original 13 colonies. The eagle's head turns toward the olive branch.
Why is the bald eagle the national bird?
Congress placed the bald eagle on the Great Seal in 1782 as a symbol of strength, longevity and independence. It was formally designated the national bird in December 2024 when President Biden signed the recognition into law.
What is the difference between America 250 and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission?
The United States Semiquincentennial Commission is the federal body created by Congress in 2016 to plan the anniversary. It operates publicly under the brand America250 at America250.org. America 250 is also used informally for the anniversary itself.
How is each state celebrating the 250th anniversary?
Every state has its own America 250 commission coordinating local programs — from reenactments in Massachusetts and Virginia to the U.S. Army's 250th in 2025, the Marine Corps's 250th in 2025, and the Navy's 250th in 2025. State commission directories are listed at America250.org.
What is the official anniversary motto?
The official motto is America 250: 'Inviting Every American to the Celebration.' It deliberately echoes E pluribus unum — out of many, one — as inscribed on the Great Seal.
Are there official anniversary colors?
The federal commission uses Old Glory red, navy blue, and bone white. Our store palette extends those with a single antique gold accent for typographic crests.
What were the previous 50-year US milestones?
The Centennial in 1876 was marked by the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, the first official World's Fair in the United States. The Sesquicentennial (150 years) was held in Philadelphia in 1926. The Bicentennial in 1976 produced the Bicentennial Minutes television series and the now-iconic patriotic graphic design language. America 250 in 2026 is the largest milestone since.
How can I mark the 250th anniversary at home?
Wear or display heritage anniversary apparel and prints, attend local America 250 events listed at your state commission's website, and read the founding documents at the National Archives, archives.gov.
Timeline
250 years in seven moments
- 1776Declaration of Independence approved July 4 in Philadelphia.
- 1782Bald eagle placed on the Great Seal of the United States.
- 1876Centennial Exposition — first World's Fair in the United States.
- 1926Sesquicentennial held in Philadelphia (150th anniversary).
- 1976Bicentennial — defined the modern patriotic design language.
- 2016Congress creates the Semiquincentennial Commission.
- 2026United States marks 250 years on July 4.