American Revolution Bicentennial

The American Revolution Bicentennial was a year-long nationwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution, observed in 1975 and 1976. In Birmingham the anniversary was observed with numerous events, ceremonies and recognitions.

Birmingham was selected as one of five "working people's Bicentennial cities" for the year.

Events

• June 23-29: The American Bicentennial Theatre premiered Thornton Wilder's “The Skin of Our Teeth" at the BJCC Theater.
• The Bicentennial Flag was hoisted over Legion Field on September 8, 1975 prior to a nationally-televised game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Missouri Tigers.
• The same flag was presented to the city of Birmingham on September 15 at a noon ceremony at Birmingham City Hall, formally launching the city's celebration.
• A Spirit of Labor Festival was held at Western Hills Mall from October 23-25, 1975.
• The Smithsonian Institution sponsored performances of "The Music and Dance of the Age of Jefferson" at the BJCC Theater on November 21-22, 1975 as part of a four-city tour.
• November 27: The first Vulcan Run took place under the name "Bicentennial Run"
• During 1976 special lighting was displayed on the First National-Southern Natural Building depicting the American flag.
• The American Freedom Train stopped in Birmingham from May 27 to 31, 1976 for public tours and to change locomotives.

Other connections

• Homewood renamed the section of Montgomery Highway running through downtown as Independence Drive.
• The Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce published Century Plus: A Bicentennial Portrait of Birmingham, Alabama 1976 featuring photographs and articles documenting the recent progress of the city and region.
• Richard N. Murray coordinated the Bicentennial exhibition "America as Art" for the Smithsonian's National Collection of Fine Arts.