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America’s 250th birthday is right around the corner — a celebration the country has excitedly been preparing for all year.
The last time the U.S. was this excited for a 4th of July celebration was half a century ago, when America celebrated its 200th anniversary of independence.
The 1976 Bicentennial is remembered with nostalgia for the patriotism and optimism that defined the era. At the time, the anniversary was marked by celebrations, memorabilia and a sense of patriotism that people today still look back on fondly — and the 250th celebration will certainly try to echo that.
From pop culture to politics to the shocking difference in gas prices, here’s how wildly different life in 1976 America looks and feels 50 years later.
Presidential power
Republican President Gerald Ford held office during bicentennial celebrations, but in November of 1976 he lost the re-election to Democratic challenger Jimmy Carter.
Fast forward 50 years, and the Republicans are leading once again as President Donald Trump is currently serving his second term.
Yikes, look at those gas prices
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline in 1976 was approximately $0.59 to $0.61.
Today, the country’s average price is $3.93 per gallon, with New York being $4.23, which is nearly 30 to 50 cents higher than normal thanks to the war in Iran. Unfortunatley, experts say drivers will have to wait until at least later this year for pre-war prices.
Start of the space race
NASA unveiled the Enterprise, its first Space Shuttle orbiter, in 1976.
In April of this year, the first crewed Artemis flight, Artemis II, marked a step towards a long-awaited return to the Moon and future Mars missions.
A song of the times
“Silly Love Songs” by the Wings, fronted by Paul McCartney in 1971 following the Beatles’ breakup, was Billboard’s Year-End No. 1 song of 1976.
How times and sounds have changes! In 2026 America, the longest-running No.1 song of the year so far has been “Choosin’ Texas” by Ella Langley.
Maritime parades
Operation Sail was a maritime parade, a long procession of boats and ships, held on July 4, 1976. During it, over 200 vessels voyaged into New York Harbor, led by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Eagle. The parade started at the Verrazano bridge and sailed up the Hudson River, garnering more than 6 million spectators, the largest crowd in New York City’s history.
This year, international fleets will again sail into New York Harbor, pass in Presidential review and salute the Statue of Liberty taking place from July 3-8.
Rocky vs. the Mario brothers
In 1976, the world was introduced to small-time Philly boxer, Rocky Balboa, in “Rocky,” the first of the movie’s franchise.
At the time, it was the highest-grossing movie, bringing in approximately $117.2 million during its box office run. The top-earning movie of 2026 so far is “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” grossing $1.007 billion.
Royal visits
Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip came over to the U.S. in July 1976, visiting Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Virginia, New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts for a “glamorous” state dinner in their honor hosted by President Ford and First Lady Betty Ford.
The royal duo who visited the U.S. 50 years later was King Charles III and Queen Camilla, this past April. They stopped in Washington, D.C., to address Congress and, similarly to their predecessors, attend a state dinner at the White House.
Special coinage
To celebrate the nation’s 200th anniversary in 1976, the U.S. Mint issued three circulating coins with new reverse designs: Bicentennial Quarters, Bicentennial Half Dollars, and Bicentennial Dollars.
This year, the U.S. Mint is unveiling one-year-only changes to the circulating dimes, quarters, and half dollars. They are also releasing special coins and medals with designs, and a collection of uncirculated coins to collect.
Apple computers
Apple’s first product, the Apple -1, was released in 1976. It was a personal computer designed by Steve Wozniak and marketed by Steve Jobs, priced at $666.66 with 200 units produced. How cheap!
Today, the brand’s most expensive laptop, the 16-inch MacBook Pro, complete with premium hardware upgrades, goes for a whopping $10,149.
How times have changed!
Global summer sports
The summer of ’76 was the XXI Olympiad held in Montreal, Canada. The most notable U.S. gold medalists from the 1976 games include John Naber in swimming and Caitlin Jenner, then known as Bruce Jenner, who won the decathlon while setting a world record.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will continue this summer through July 19. For the first time in history, the tournament features 48 teams and is co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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