Columbus library train display series#

President Ford boards the Michigan Wagon at theīicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage Encampment, On behalf of the British people, the Queen gifted to the United States the Bicentennial Bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell that hangs at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Two months later, in July 1976, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip of Great Britain toured Philadelphia, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. As a gift to the US, President d’Estaing presented a Sound and Light show at Mount Vernon. Giscard d’Estaing of France visited the United States in recognition of the history of friendship between the two countries. The Bicentennial was also commemorated by two official state visits. An exhibition titled The World of Franklin and Jefferson first opened in Paris, France, before travelling throughout Europe and the US. Bicentennial celebrations were not limited to the US. One of the most significant events was the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage, in which volunteers from every state traveled Eastward over historic trails in covered wagons. There were picnics, ceremonies, presentations, and numerous other festivities across the country. ARBA focused on supporting and coordinating state, local, and private celebrations, with around 66,000 recognized events in total. As a result, Congress replaced the ARBC with the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA) in 1973. The ARBC was criticized, however, for showing excessive political bias and commercialism. The United States Congress had previously established the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission (ARBC) in 1966 to organize the Bicentennial celebration. He then delivered a major address at Lexington and Concord commemorating the 200th anniversary of the battles that spurred the Revolutionary War. Later that month, President Gerald Ford visited the Old North Church in Boston, Massachusetts, where he lit a third lantern in recognition of the country’s third century.

Official events began on Apwith the launch of the American Freedom Train 21-month tour of the 48 contiguous states.

Columbus library train display series#

The United States Bicentennial was a series of events in celebration of the nation’s 200th birthday.