The bicentennial celebration of the United States in 1976 arrived at a complicated time for the nation. Nixon’s resignation in the aftermath of Watergate, stagflation, energy shortages, and social divisions contributed to unease across the country.

Despite the difficult times, Washington State University embraced the 200th anniversary with education, music, and pride. The university joined with the University of Washington, Eastern Washington State College, Western Washington State College, and Central Washington State College to produce The American Revolution, a 20-part telecourse for college credit and continuing education, which was broadcast twice weekly in six cities throughout the state. Five colonial historians, including WSU history professor David L. Coon, took part in lectures and roundtables examining the formative years of the United States. Twelve parts were filmed in Pullman, and eight in Seattle.

On campus, the WSU history department featured a lecture series that included Jackson Turner Main, a prominent historian, author, and pioneering expert on American colonial social order. The music department offered concerts of American music throughout the year. KWSU broadcast a series of national radio programs called “American Issues Radio Forum.”

The Daily Evergreen decried the crass commercialism of 1976 that turned it from “bicentennial to ‘buy-centennial’” with cheap goods and less true national pride. The student journalists contrasted that national response with WSU and Pullman’s more wholesome embrace of the year, including from students.

Mike Hall (’76 Comm.) proposed a campaign to simultaneously ring bells nationwide on July 4, 1976. Hall’s idea received attention from the national Bicentennial Commission, although it’s unclear if it happened. Martha Jack (’81 PhD Biomechanics) rode her bicycle across the country as part of a “Bikecentennial.”

Musicians also performed at a gazebo in Reaney Park built for the occasion, which still hosts community concerts. Locals could enjoy music from out of town, too. The original Broadway cast performed the Tony-award winning musical 1776 at WSU in spring of 1976.

 

Scenes from the 1976 series, The American Revolution,
with drum and fife marches 

 

Audio description version of “WSU in 1976: The Bicentennial” video