SC250 – July Feature

The South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250) has been hard at work commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. This month’s display highlights one of the biggest celebrations held by the South Carolina American Revolution Bicentennial Commission over fifty years ago.

On the night of Monday, October 20, 1975, the South Carolina Governor’s Office, South Carolina American Revolution Bicentennial Commission, the South Carolina State Fair Association, and their business partners hosted “We the People, A Bicentennial Salute to America” at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. More than 50,000 people attended to watch and hear from a star-studded cast, including Bob Hope, Anita Bryant, Frank Blair, and Minnie Pearl, as they honored the 200th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Local high schools, colleges, and civic and government organizations also participated in the rally, making it a community event for the whole state. Explore these documents from the South Carolina State Library’s State Documents Collection highlighting the “We the People” rally and how South Carolina celebrated the founding of the United States fifty years ago and today.

Display case featuring Bicentennial materials.

South Carolina State Library
1500 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

Upcoming Event

By John Blake White, Wikimedia Commons

Speaker at the Center Series: An American Revolution Panel Discussion

July 16, 2026, 2:30 PM

Join us for our next Speaker at the Center event, where six panelists will explore the history of the American Revolution. Even 250 years after America gained independence, historians and experts continue to debate key questions. Come listen as they use artifacts and primary sources to clarify the facts in these discussions. 

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