United States Bicentennial - Definition and Overview

The United States Bicentennial was celebrated on July 4, 1976, the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The commemoration of the bicentennial of the United States of America went on for months. The United States Mint began issuing special Bicentennial quarters in 1975 dated "1776-1976." As a result, there aren't any quarters dated 1975. These Bicentennial quarters were also minted throughout 1976.

Festivities included elaborate fireworks displays over major USA cities. Those in Washington, D.C. were presided over by President Gerald Ford and televised nationally. A fleet of tall-masted sailing ships gathered in New York City for the occasion.

Many commercial products were marketed in packages tying them to the Bicentennial.

See also

• Bicentennial Minutes