About America 250

In 2026, America will commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the development of a new country dedicated to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In the years since, our country has undergone many changes and faced many challenges.

To observe this momentous occasion, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress (P.L. 114-196) to encourage Americans to remember our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a promising future. America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of our state in the development of the United States. The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is the statewide entity charged by Governor Cooper with the leadership of the commemoration for North Carolina. 

North Carolina will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Revolution with wide-ranging activities across a multi-year commemoration beginning on April 12, 2024, with a focus on 2026. Additional events will continue through 2033 to reflect our state’s Revolutionary history.

Waxhaw's America 250 Committee

Waxhaw's America 250 Committee is composed of the following members: 

• Janet Peirano, Senior Preservation Planner, Town of Waxhaw
• Ashley Ponscheck, Union County Public Schools 
• Gladys Kerr, Daughters of the American Revolution 
• Jim Hill, Downtown Waxhaw Association 
• Jim Stegall, Waxhaw Writer's Club 
• Karen Dewey, Waxhaw Resident
• Kris Morefield, Museum of the Waxhaws 
• Melanie Miller, Union County Arts Council 
• Pam Micosky, Waxhaw Community Theatre 
• Robin Viar, Town of Waxhaw, Waxhaw Parks and Recreation

Waxhaw's Revolutionary History

The Waxhaws Colonial Settlement story reminds us that the fight for independence was also fought at mills, farmhouses, and churchyards. From Buford’s Battleground to Walkup’s Plantation, from the boyhood of Andrew Jackson to the vision of William R. Davie, this frontier community played a central role in the nation’s founding.

Listen to the Roots and Relics Podcast featuring a Battle of the Waxhaws reenactor

Nearly a century later, in 1889, the Town of Waxhaw was formed. From colonial settlement to Revolutionary battlefields, and from frontier farms to a thriving small town, Waxhaw’s story reflects both local perseverance and national spirit.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, Waxhaw honors its past and looks forward to its future—remembering that the courage of ordinary people shaped the extraordinary story of a nation. From this frontier, leaders rose, battles raged, and the story of America was written.

Participation Opportunities 

NC County Flag Challenge

This exciting challenge, created by the America 250 NC team, invites fourth-grade students from across North Carolina to design county flags that reflect how they see their region of the state. Participation is free and optional, but strongly encouraged! Learn more...

America's Field Trip Contest

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students across the country in grades 3 through 12 to be part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — with the chance to earn an unforgettable field trip experience at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks. 

Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?” A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize. The contest ends on March 30, 2026. 

Enter the contest

America Gives - Volunteer Service Project

America Gives is inviting individuals, families, businesses, and organizations across the country to come together in a powerful way—through service. America Gives is a nationwide call to action to make this the most impactful year of volunteerism in U.S. history. By reporting your volunteer hours, you’ll join a growing movement of Americans showing up for their communities and celebrating the spirit of unity that defines our nation. Explore how to get involved...