Celebrations to mark 250th anniversary of U.S. independence

A countdown has begun to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American Independence, with a state that played a pivotal role in that struggle planning ongoing events tourists are welcome to view as the actual official 2026 anniversary draws closer.

Virginia will recognize the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Revolutionary War, and America’s independence with a major statewide commemoration involving every locality, with hundreds of hosted events beginning this year and continuing into 2026.

“Events in Virginia to mark the nation’s 250th begin in March 2023, with the 250th anniversary of Virginia’s Committee of Correspondence, and continue through 2031, the anniversary of (British general) Cornwallis’ defeat and surrender at Yorktown,” says Cheryl Wilson, executive director of the Virginia American Revolution Commission.

“Virginia is planning a major statewide commemoration that lasts through 2031, and will include exhibitions, events, special programs, and even a traveling museum housed in a tractor trailer that travels the state and beyond,” Wilson continues. “Programs will include multiple perspectives of the American Revolution and the ‘Revolution of Ideas’ upon which the United States was built and will showcase Virginia’s prominent role in the founding of our nation. There will be something for everyone!

“Visitors will be able to participate in events wherever they are in Virginia. In addition to the statewide programs sponsored by the Virginia American Revolution 250 (VA250) Commission, each of the 134 localities in Virginia is planning events to highlight local history and community stories. A statewide calendar of VA250 events can be found at https://va250.org/localevents/.”

Events will stretch across Virginia to mark notable milestone anniversaries in American history. A sampling includes:

• “A Common Cause to All: States Convene on the 250th Anniversary of Virginia’s Committee of Correspondence” (Williamsburg, March 10-12, 2023)
• Lafayette’s Grand Tour Bicentennial – 13 localities in Virginia will join to commemorate Lafayette’s cross-country tour as “Guest of the Nation” 50 years after the end of the Revolutionary War (Multiple locations, Fall 2024)
• 250th Anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” Speech (St. John’s Church, Richmond, March 23, 2025)
• Sail250 – A six-port sail of tall ships docking in harbours on the Eastern Seaboard (May 2026, Alexandria and Norfolk)
• 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – America’s 250th Birthday Celebration (July 4, 2026)
• 250th Anniversary of the Formation of First Baptist Church – One of the nation’s earliest African-American congregations, founded by free and enslaved Black worshippers (Williamsburg)

Wilson says Virginia’s history is America’s story, rich in diverse cultures and perspectives that “illuminate the ideals of a new nation – a nation that has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for the world.

“Virginia’s history is abundant — it was the first, largest, and most prosperous of the British colonies in America, with settlers arriving in Jamestown in 1607. It is known as ‘The Mother of Presidents’ because eight presidents were born in Virginia – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson – and many of their beautiful homes are available for visitors to explore today.

“Virginia’s history includes not only Colonial and Revolutionary War history, but everything else from Civil War to Civil Rights. That’s why Virginia’s history is America’s story.”

There will be major celebrations across the state in 2026, with all counties and cities joining on July 4 to mark the nation’s birthday. “Much like New Year’s Eve, there will simulcasts of events, naturalization ceremonies, a statewide ringing of bells, and massive fireworks. It will be a once-in-a-generation event not to be missed!” Wilson continues.

Those wanting further information can visit VA250.org to plan your trip to Virginia to join in celebrating America’s 250th!