What is a Sestercentennial?

That’s a word some are using in reference to July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Also called a semiquincentennial, this American milestone is around a year and a half away, but national and state legislators have already been planning for it.

South Carolina, a hub of historical events that shaped the U.S., has launched southcarolina250.com.

“Chartered by the SC General Assembly in 2018 … ‘which shall have the authority and responsibility to plan and execute, insofar as authorized and funded by the General Assembly, a proper observance of the Sestercentennial of the American Revolution in South Carolina, and in cooperation with the South Carolina Battleground Preservation Trust; a national organization, if any; and other similar commemorative organizations in other states. This proper observance of the Sestercentennial must include the role of persons of African-American descent in the Revolutionary War,’” the website reads.

The website serves as a guide for events happening across the state, as well as historical sites commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

In Lexington County, the following historical sites are listed, with some explanation:
- Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St. “[T]he legend of Emily Geiger who delivered a secret message from General Nathanael Greene to General Thomas Sumter in 1781 is compelling. While she had ties to Newberry, Fairfield, and Lexington, her capture at Fort Granby is what is honored at the Cayce Museum.”
- 12,000 Year History Park, 1120 Fort Congaree Trail “Connected to the Riverwalk along the west side of the Congaree River, the 12,000 Year History Park has been witness to 12,000 years of history from mammoths to Native Americans to Revolutionary history.”
- The Lexington Museum, 231 Fox St. “The Revolutionary Era is more than just battles and skirmishes. Many of the Dutch Fork settlers just wanted to be left alone to take care of their families. The Lexington County Museum site hosts over 30 structures where there is a ‘story behind every door.’ Three of the structures give you a glimpse at Dutch Fork life during the Revolutionary Era.”

The S.C. 250 website is full of educational material, opportunities for the public and more.

District 87’s Rep. Paula Rawl Calhoon promoted the S.C. 250 initiative to locals at the Jan. 16 Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center.

“Folks, we’ve got parades to plan,” she said. “Let’s kick off the 250th birthday celebration. … [sc250.com is where] communities can go in and put in a date that they’re recognizing an event that took place 250 years ago or during the Revolutionary War.”